PORT GF THE vecaT d C o m m i s si g n ers. Mm^. CONDJTA A.D. <%i i^'wi ^^ BOSTON lOWN RECORDS, 1770 THROUGH 1777, ixj ^XJU^ A REPORT Eecord Gommissioners CITY OF BOSTON, CONTAINING THE BOSTON TOWN EECOEDS, 1770 THROUGH 1777. BOSTON: EOCKWELL AND CHURCHILL, CITY PRINTERS, No. 39 ARCH STREET. 1887. i78i5 [Document 91 — 1887.] CITY OF fe^3 BOSTON. A REPORT RECORD COMMISSIONERS. The Eighteenth Report of the Record Commissioners is a continuation of the Sixteenth, and contains the proceedings of the town from 1770 throuoh 1777. It is almost superfluous to speak of the interest which will be felt in this report of the proceedings of the town during this important period. The resolves, instructions, and reports are essential to any correct understanding of the rise of the Revolution. Many of these papers have been published before, but it is instructive to read them in their proper sequence, and to see that the functions of the town, in small matters as well as great, were systematically attended to at all times. It is suggestive to note that the town meeting of Boston for March 5, 1776, was held at Watertown ; but with this exception, little appears on the record to show the suspension of civic rights during the occupancy of the town by British troops. The ample indices will enable the student to promptly avail of the information herein collected. WILLIAM H. WHITMOEE, For the Record Commissioners. City Hall, Boston, Dec. 1, 1887. Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive in 2010 witii funding from Boston Library Consortium IVIember Libraries littp://www.arcliive.org/details/reportofrecordco18bost BOSTON TOWN RECORDS. [FIFTH BOOK, CONTINUED.] [311.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi- tants of the Town of Boston at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the 6"". Day of March 1770 — 11 O'Clock A : M : occasioned by the Mas- sacre made in King Street, bv the Soldiery the preceeding Night The Selectmen not being present and the Inhabitants being in- formed that they were at the Council Chamber, it was Voted that M"". William Greanleafl be desired to proceed there, and acquaint the Selectmen that the Inhabitants desire and expect their attend- ance at the Hall ; and the Town Clerk acted as Moderator of this Meeting in the Interem The Committee returned and informed that they had delivered the Message of the Town to the Selectmen, who had desired them to acquaint the Inhabitants, that they would give their attendance immediately The Selectmen attend & Moderate Upon a Motion made it was Voted, that if any of the Inhabi- tants present could give information respecting the Massacre of the last Night, that they be desired to do it in Meeting, that the same might be minuted by the Town Clerk Upon a Motion made and seconded Voted, that Constable Wallace wait upon the Rev^. D''. Cooper, and acquaint him that the Inhabitants desire him to open the Meeting with Prayer Information given in by M"". John S. Coply, that M'. Pelhara and his Wife and some Persons of M'. Samuel Wenthrops Family, heard a Soldier to say after the fixing on the last Night, that the Devil might give quarters he should give them none Information given in by M'. John Scott, that a Lad of M"". [313.] Peirpoints said at M^ Cherdons, that a Soldier was heard to say that his Officer had acquainted them, that if they went abroad at Nights, they shoidd go armed and in Companies M''. Peirpoints informs that before the firing on the last Night he had disarmed a Soldier who had struck down one of the Inhabitants The Hon'''^ Thomas Cushing Esq. Chosen Moderator of this Meeting by a Hand Vote M^ Pool Spear informs, that last Week he heard one Kilson a Soldier of Pharras Company say, that he did not know what the Inhabitants were after, for that they had broke an Officers Win- 2 City Document No. 91. dows (meaning Nathaniel Roger's Windows) but that they had a scbeerae on foot which would soon put a stop to our proceednre — that Parties of Soldiers were ordered with Pistols in their Pockets, and to fire upon those who should assault said House again, and tliat Ten Pounds Sterling was to be given as a Reward, for their killing one of those Persons, and fifty pounds sterling for a Prisoner The Persons that appeared to give Informations relative to the Soldiery, being many, it was found inconvenient to take them in the Meeting, it was therefore Voted, that M^ William Greanleaff M^ William Whitwell M^ Samuel Whitwell be and hereby are appointed a Committee to take the Depositions which are offered respecting the conduct of the Soldiery The Inhabitants having considered of the steps proper to be taken by them upon this alarming occasion Voted that [213.] The Hon''^^ Thomas Gushing, Moderator John Hancock Esq. M''. Henderson Inches Joshua Uenshaw Esq. M"". Samuel Adams M^ William Phillips Samuel Pemberton Esq. M''. Samuel Austin Benjamin Austin Esq. Coll". Joseph Jackson M''. William MoUineux D'. Benjamin Church M"". Jonathan Mason Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq. John Ruddock Esq. be a Committee to wait on his Honor the Lieu*. Governor ; and acquaint him ; that it is the unanimous Opinion of this Meeting, that the Inhabitants and Soldiery can no longer dwell together in safety ; that nothing can be rationally expected to restore the peace of the Town, and prevent blood and Carnage, but the im- mediate removal of the Troops ; and that they therefore most fervently pray his Honor that his power & influence may be ex- erted for their instant removal. Then the Meeting was dissolved [214.] At a Meeting of the Ereeholders and other Inhabi- tants of the Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in pub- lick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the 6 Bay of March Anno Domini 1770. —3 O'Clock, P: M : The Hon'''". Thomas Gushing Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting Faneuil Hall not being Capasious enough to receive the Inhabi- Boston Town Records, 1770. 3 tants who attended ; Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to D"". Sewalls Meeting House The Committee appointed to deliver a Message of the Town to his Honor Leuviteuant Governor, Reported, and laid before the Town the Reply they had received from his Honor in Writing whicli is as follows Gentlemen I am extremely sorry for the unhappy differences between the Inhabitants and the Troops — and especially for the action of the last Evening, and I have exerted myself upon that occasion, that a due inquiry may be made and that the Law may have its course. 1 have in Council consulted with the Commanding Officers of the two Regiments which are in the Town. They have their Orders from the General at New York. It is not in my power to counter- mand those Orders. The Council have desired that the two Regi- ments may be removed to the Castle. From the particular con- cern which the 29*^. Regiment has had in these differences ColP. Dalrymple who is the Commanding Officer of the Troops has signified to me that the Regiments shall without delay be placed in the Barracks at the Castle until! he can send to y^ [315.] The General and receive his further Orders concerning both the Regi- ment and that the Main Guard shall be removed and the 14"". Regiments so disposed and laid under such restraint, that all occa- sion of future differences may be prevented The foregoing Reply having been read, and fully considered the Question was put — "Whether the Report be satisfactory — Passed in the Negative almost unanimously — (but one dessen- tient) It was then moved and Voted, that The Hon'''^ John Hancock Esq. M''. Samuel Adams M^ William MoUineux William Phillips Esq. D"". Joseph Warren Joshua Henshaw Esq. Samuel Pemberton Esq. be and hereby are appointed a Committee to wait on his Honor the Lieu'. Governor, and inform him, that it is the unanimous opinion of this Meeting, that the Reply made to a Vote of the In- habitants presented his Honor in the Morning is by no means satisfactory, and that nothing less will satisfy them, than a total and immediate removal of the Troops. The Committee having waited upon his Honor the Lieu'. Gov- ernor agreable to the foregoing Vote ; laid before the Inhabitants the following Vote of Council, removed from his Honor His Honor the Lieu'. Governor laid before the Board a Vote of the Town of Boston passed this Afternoon, and then Addressed the Board as follows Gentlemen of the Council I lay before you a Vote of the Town of Boston, which I have Just now received from them, and I now ask your advice what you Judge necessary to be done upon it [^16.] The Council thereupon expressed themselves to be 4 City Document No. 91. unanimously of Opinion that it was absolutely necessary for his Majeslj's service and the good order of the Town and the peace of the Province that the Troops should he immediately removed out of the Town of Boston, and thereupon advised his Honor to communicate this advice of the Council to Coll°. Dalrymple, and to pra^^ that he would order the Troops down to Castle Wil- liam The Committee also informed the Town, that ColP. Dahymple after having seen the above Vote of Council, said to the Commit- tee That he now gave his word of honor that he would begin his preparation in the Morning, and that there should be no unneces- sary delay untill the whole of the two Regiments were removed to the Castle The above Report of the Committee having been read, by the Town Clerk ; the Inhabitants could not but express the high satis- faction, .which it afforded them The Town having determined that it was highly necessarj^ and expedient to have a strong Watch of our own for the protection of the Inhabitants in the Night, untill the troops would remove, and the Committee who delivered the last Message to the Lieu*. Governor having kindly offered to make themselves a part of the Watch for this Night, their offer was gratefully accepted and said Committee were desired to take such a number of the Inhabitants with them as they might think proper, and also to appoint a Watch for succeeding Nights ; and as it was concluded that the Townsmen were now very generally i)rovided with Arms and Am- munition, it was agreed that in case of any disturbance in the Night they should repair to a place they may appoint for a general Muster -^— [317.] Upon a Motion made and seconded — Voted, unani- mously That this Town have the greatest abhorrence of one of its Inhabitants viz'. — Samuel Water-house, who in defiance of the united sentiment not only of his Fellow Citizens, but all his Fellow Countrymen expressed repeatedly in the Votes and Records of the Hon^'^. House of Representatives of this Province, has continued to accommodate Troops at this time so Justly obnoxious to a free ' People and abhorrent to a free Constitution, and thereby basely prostituted a once I'espectable Mansion House to the use of a Main Guard A Copy of one of the Hand Bills posted up the Evening preceed- ing the horrid Massacre, was read to the Town, and diverse Testi- monies relative to that bloody affair Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to the Hon'''^ Thomas Cushing Esq. the Moderator for dispatching the Business of this Meeting Then the Meeting was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston legally qualified uud warned in publick Town Meet- Boston Town Records, 1770. 5 ing Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday — the 12''^. Day of March Anno Domini 1770 Prayer, was made by the Rev*. D'. Cooper Warrant, for calling the Meeting _ _ . read [318.] Sundry Laws enjoined to be read at this Meeting were accordingly read The Hon*"'^. Thomas Gushing Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting, and took the Oaths respecting his paying & receiving Bills of Credit of the Governments of Connecticut, New Hamp- shire and Rhode Island, as required by an Act of this Prov- ince William Cooper was chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing, and having taken the Oath respecting his paying & receiving Bills of Credit of the Governments of Connecticut New Hampshire and Rhode Island, took the Oath of Office for the faithful discharge of his duty, wliich oaths were Administered* to him by one of his Majesties Justices present at the Meeting The Town proceeded to the choice of Seven Selectmen, and the Votes being brought in and sorted, it appeared that Joshua Henshaw Esq. Joseph Jackson Esq. John Ruddock Esq. The Hon''^''. John Hancock Esq. Samuel Pemberton Esq. M"". Henderson Inches M'^. Jonathan Mason were chose Selectmen for the Year ensuing The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Overseers of the Poor, and upon sorting it appeared that John Barrett Esq. The Hon'''^ Royal Tyler Esq. M"". Benjamin Dolbear M^ William Whitwell [319.] M^ William Greanleaff William White Esq. M'. Joseph Waldo John Leveret Esq. John Gore Esq. Cap'. Samuel Partridge Thomas Tyler Esq. M". Samuel Whitwell were chose Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing — see May 15 The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Wardens, and upon sorting them it appeared that The Hon*'l^ Thomas Gushing Esq. Joshua Henshaw Esq. M^ Samuel Adams William Phillips Esq. The Hon'''^ John Hancock. Esq. John ScoUay I^sq. M^ William Greanleaff 6 City Document No. 91. M'. William Whitwell Benjamin Austin. Esq. M^ Jonathan Mason M\ Moses Gill M^ Samuel Austin ' were chose Wardens for the Year ensuing The Town brought in their Votes for Sixteen Fire- Wards and upon sorting them it appeared that John Scollay Esq. Newman Grenough Esq. John Rowe Esq. M"". William Cooper [320.] M^ John Mico Wendell Thomas Marshall Esq. William Homes Esq. M"^. Joseph Tyler Cap'. Adino Paddock M"". James Richardson Cap*. Benjamin Waldo The Hon'''^ John Hancock Esq. M''. Samuel Adams Thomas Daws Esq. M^ Alexander Hill were chose Fire-Wards for the Year ensuing Upon a Motion made and seconded — the Question was put — viz'. — "Whether Constables and Collectors of Taxes shall be chose sepperate — Passed in the Affermative Voted, that the Sum of Five Pounds be remitted out of the Ten Pound Fine to such Persons as shall be chose into the Office of Constable for the Year ensuing and shall decline serving The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Constables, the Persons chose into that Office are Mess'■^ Augustus Hail Francis Salmon George Thomas Peter Barbour Thomas Rice Joseph Payson Liudsey George Wallace Hezekiah Usher John Wells [331.] Stephen Symms Edward Blake Ellas Dupee The Town brought in their Votes for a Town Treasurer, and upon sorting them it appear'd that M''. David Jeffries was chosen, & having taken the Oath respecting his paying and receiving Bills of Credit of the other Governments, took the Oath of Office for the faithful discliarge of his duty, which Oaths were Administred to liim by M'. Justice Mess". John Pulling John Andrews Boston Town Records, 1770. 7 Nathaniel Wteatley Elisha Avery Benjamin Jackson Henry Jackson Thomas Hill Jun'. Joseph Laughton William Foster Samuel Parker Samuel Wallis Ellis Gray were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing Voted, that the Sum of Twelve Ponce on the Pound, be and hereby is allowed to such Persons as shall be chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing, for all such Sums as they shall Collect ; provided they pay into the several Treasuries the whole Sum com- mitted to them to Collect on or before the tenth Day of August 1771. Eight Pence on the Pound on all such other Sums as they shall have so paid in to said Treasurers on or before the 20 Day of December 1771. and i^oifr Pence on the Pound upon the re- mainder of the Sums they shall be obliged to Collect provided such remainder shall be fully paid in on or before the Second Monday in March [^23.] 1772. This Premium as above expressed appears to be Just and equitable, and an ample allowance to the Collectors to encourage them to discharge their duty with diligence and fidelity ; provided also that each of said Collectors give Bond with sufiQcient Sureties to the satisfaction of the Selectmen for the faithful discharge of their duty in said Office, and complying with this Vote The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Four Collectors of Taxes, and upon sorting them it appeared that Mess". Sam[»son Salter Edward Holly day M"". Samuel Ruggles M'. Abraham Savage were chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Seven Assessors, and upon sorting them it appeared that M^ William Fairfield M"". John Kneeland M'. Benjamin Church Belcher Noyes. Esq. M"". Daniel Pecker M'. Jonathan Brown Moses Deshon Esq. were chose Assessors for the Year ensuing — » M'. Speaker Cushing Chairman of the Committee appointed at a former Town Meeting, having received Letters from M'. Pownal the late worthy Governor of this Province, and some other Gentle- men to whom they had transmitted the Phamphlets which contained Remarks on Governor Bernards Letters &<=. -- laid the same before the Town — — [333. ] A Letter to the Selectmen of Boston inclosing the 8 City Document No. 91. Votes of the Town of Watertown, respecting the Non Importation Ajyreement Tea &''. were laid before the Town Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P : M : 3 O'clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment — — The Moderator having laid before the Town a Letter from M". Sheriff Greanleaff representing the danger there was of some of the Prisoners in the County Jayl making an escape, and that it is his Opinion, that in order to prevent it the County Watch should be doubled, but that the Court of Session not meeting till April next cannot be apply'd to for this purpose — therefore Voted, That the Sheriff be and hereby is impowered and directed to double said Watch in the manner he has proposed, and that in case the Court of Session at their next sitting, should decline de- freying the Charge upon his application to them therefore, that then the Town will be answerable for the same Votes for a County Treasurer brought in and sealed up in Town Meeting, and delivered to the care of Constable Hale to be re- turned to the Court of Session Upon a Motion made and seconded — Voted, that the Committee of the Town now sitting at the Representatives Chamber, be desired to attend this Meeting by a Committee to inform the Town what progress has been made in the removal of the Troops from this Town The Committee attended, and Reported — That they had at- tended the Business alotted them by the Town, Night and Day, and done every thing in their power by their repeated applications to ColP. Dalrymple to expedite the removal of the Troops, that the 29 Regiment was already [324.] Gone, and the ColP. had as- sured them that the 14'*^. Regiment should begin to follow them this Day, and that no time should be lost in removing them The above Report having been considered, Voted, nnanimouslj that The Hon*^^ John Hancock Esq. M"". Samuel Adams Joshua Henshaw Esq. William Phillips Esq. M^ William Mollineux D"". Joseph Warren Samuel Pemberton Esq. be a Committee immediately to wait upon CoiP. Dalrymple to fa- form him that this Town have now waited Seven Days, for the removal of the 14 & 29* Regiments agreable to his express promise made in presence of the Lieu'. Governor his Majestys Council and y®. Committee of the Town to remove tlie same with the utmost dispatch ; that the Town is very uneasy and apprehend the In- habitants are nnsafe, while the Troops remain in Town, and that they are therefore obliged for the protection of the Inhabitants to keep up a military Watch during their taiTy at a great expence ; that it is the opinion of the Town that the removal of the said two Regiments may consistent with the usual dispatch of the Army be soon compleated, and that it is the desire of the Town that the re- moval of the Troops may be immediately effected, and that the Boston Town Records, 1770. 9 Committee obtain an explicit answer from Coir. Dalrymple, when the said Regiments shall be compleatly removed Mess". William Nichols Andrew Symms Clement Collins Henry Allen Isaac Vergoose John Grenough [235.] Jacob Thayer Joseph Edmunds John Skillins John Sergeant Richard Walker John Champney John Bulfinch Abraham Howard Joseph Butler Joseph Eyres Thomas Bayley John Gill Andrew Townsend Joseph Ballard were chose Surveyors of Boards for the Year ensuing Jyless'"^ Samuel Dyer John Dyer Obediah Low John Joy William Crafts were chose Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing Mess". Benjamin Bass Samuel Bangs Nathan Cooper Thomas Noland Benjamin Cooper were chose Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing Mess". Nathaniel Gardner William Daws Jun'. were chose Informers of Deer for the Year ensuing [2S6.] Mess". Peter Cotta Manesseh Masters Joseph Dyer John Harskins David Spear Jonathan Jenkins Robert Brick Jun'. Job Wheelwright Joshua Pico Benjamin Salt Paul Baxter John Owen Thomas Knox Samuel White 10 City Document No. 91. Edward Cowell Edward Potter Peter Ellis Timothy Pease Natliauiel Waterman Jacob Williams Samuel Bernard John Nowell Joseph Phillips Henry Lucas were chose Cullers of Staves for the Year ensuing. Mess". David Sirnins Thomas Curtis were chose Hosreeves for the Year ensuing Committee to wait on Coll°. Dalrymple Reported — That they had delivered the Message of the Town, to which he was pleased to Reply — That not a Man of the 29*^. Regiment was now in Town, and that between Thursday Night and Fryday Morning not one of the 14*'^. Regiment, except himself, would remain here [3^7.] Voted, that John Hancock Esq. and others the above Committee be desired to pursue their application to ColP. Dalrym- ple and the Lieu*. Governor, that the Troops be removed with the greatest dispatch Voted, that the Hon'''% Thomas Cushing Esq. M''. John Adams M''. Josiah Quincy be a Committee to write immediaiely to the Hon'''*. Isaac Barree Esq. Thomas Pownal Esq- Dennis Deberdt Esq. D^ Benjamin Franklyn Esq. William BolUin Esq. Barlow Trecothick Esq. ac- knowledging our obligation for past favors, acquainting them with the Circumstances & Facts relative to the late horred Massacre, and asking the continuance of their good services in behalf of this Town and Province Voted, That ihe Thanks of this Town be given to the Town of Roxbury for their kind interposition and Assistance in our late dis- tress particularly by their Petition to the Lieu'. Governor on our behalf — also Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be given to the Towns of Charlestown, Cambridge, Watertown, and to all our Brethren in the Towns through the Province for the kind concern they mani- fested for us in the late horred Massacre by the Soldiery, and their readiness to afford us all that assistance which oar Circumstances might have required, and that these Votes be printed in the several News Pai)ers Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Thursday next 9. O'clock P : M : Tuesday March 13 9. O'Clock P : M : Town met • M''. John Gray was chosen Snrveyer of Hemp for the Year ensuing. [238.] M^ Thomas Curtis was chosen Hayward for the Year ensuing . Boston Toavn Records, 1770. 11 Upon a Motion made and seconded it was Voted, that one Soavioger be chosen out of each Ward Wards. Mess". William Clough N°. 1. John Cogswell __._ 2 Benjamin Ilarrod - 3 Benjamin Mulbury Flomes ----- 4 Hopestill Capen -------- 5 Benjamin Goldthwait ------ 6 Andrew Cammcl -------- 7 Jeremiah Belknap ------- 8 Henry Laugbton - -- 9 David Wheeler Jun^ ------ 10 Richard Jennings -------- 11 Joseph Dorr. --------- 12 were chose Scavingers for the Year ensuing — The Selectmen were chose Surveyers of High Ways for the Year ensuing Mess''^ John Holland John Rogers were chose Surveyers of Boards for the Year ensuing Voted, that Nicholas Boylston Esq. M^ Thomas Gray Ezekiel Goldlbwait Esq. M'. John Pitts Thomas Daws Esq. be and hereby are appointed a Committee to Audit the [329.] Accompts of M"". Treasurer Jeffries, and also the Accounts of the Overseers of the Poor, and the said Committee are enjoin'd to in- spect every particular Account of the Moneys expended for the use of the Almshouse ; they are also impower'd when they shall Audit said Accounts to allow such of the Overseers as shall advance Moneys for the lelief of the Poor, Interest on all such sums from the time so advanced ; 'till they shall have Audited said Accompts And they aro also desired to Report from time to time a state of the Treasury respecting the Debts and Credits, and on any matters that they may think proper John Tuder Esq. M"". John Lucas were chose Surveyers of Wheat for the Year ensuing Coll". Josepli Jackson Nicholas Boylston Esq. William Homes Esq. were chosen purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing, and they are desired and impowerd to give all needful direction to the Keeper of the Gi-anary respecting the quaniity of Grain to be sold, & affixing the price thereof from time to time as occasion shall re- quire. And the said Committee are desired and cbrected to cause all the Grain belonging to the Town to be ground at the new Mills near the Mill Bridge now occupied by M". George Leonard Cap'. Martin Gay M"". John Skinner were chose Assay Masters for the Year ensuing 12 City Document No. 91. Voted, that the Selectmen be desu'cd to inforce the duty of Scavingers upon such as have been chose ; and if they should find any defects in the Laws relating to those Officers, that they Report the same to the Town, that they may act thereon as they shall Judge convenient. [S30.] Voted, that the Assessors be and hereby are impow- ered and directed to set for abatement of such taxes as they shall Judge reasonable on every Wednesday in April inclusive, and no longer, saving that they be allowed to set the two last Weeks in November for the Abatements of the Taxes of such Persons as had not an opportunity of applying on the above limitted time, by reason of their being out of the Province ; at which time they are also allowed and impowered to Abate the Taxes of such Persons as may have died Insolvent between the said last Wednesday in April, and the last Day of November. Voted, that the Consideration of School Masters Salarys and all other Salarys and Grants be referred over to next May Meet- ing Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, that the Town Treasurer be and he hereby is impowered and directed to borrow on Interest the Sum of Three hundred pounds for the use of the Overseers of the Poor, to purchase Grain &". for the Alms-house Upon a motion made and seconded Voted, that the Town Treas- urer be and hereby is directed and impowered to give his nego- tiable Note upon Interest to such of the Overseers of the Poor as are in advance for the Relief of the Town, for such Sums as appear to be due to them respectively upon the Auditing of their Accompts to the present Month The Selectmen Reported on the Accompt of M"^. Benjamin Fenno Keeper of the Granary for the Year past, which Accompt as entred in his Books (and on file in the Town Clerks Office) was read — whereupon it was Voted, that the same be accepted and that M^ Fenno be accountable to the To\^n for 683 Bushels of Indian Corn & 244 Bushels of Rye amounting to £124 ,, ,, 2 . and also for the Sum of £103 ,, ,, 11^ Cash now in his hands ex- clusive of the sum of £32 ,, 13 ,, 4 for his Salary and attendance as charged in his Account which is hereby allowed him [331.] That Article in the Warrant Viz'. — "To take some further steps if necessary to strengthen the Hands of the Mer- chants relative to the Non Importation Agreement ; for the dis- countenancing the consumption of Tea, and other Articles of Foreign Luxury ; for employing the Poor by encouraging Home Manufactures " — was read — as was also some Votes of the Town of Charlestown respecting the Sale of Tea — whereupon Voted, that - - - Mess". John Sweetser Peter Boyer William Fallass Francis Shaw Alexander Hill be a Committee to draw up an Agreement for the Shopkeepers that have or do deal in Tea, not to dispose of any more of that Article untill the Revenue Acts are repealed, and they are desired Boston Town Records, 1770. 13 to present the same to every Trader for his Signing ; and Report at the Adjournment — also Voted, that — John Rowe Esq. John Ruddock P2sq. John Hancock Esq. M'. William Denuie William Phillips. Esq. Isaac Smith Esq M^ Timothy Fitch be a Commitee to take into Consideration what further steps are necessary to strengthen the Non Importation Agi-eement ; discoun- tenance the consumption of the Tea and other Forreign Luxuries, and for employing the Poor by encouraging Home-Manufactures — to Report to the Town from time to time as they may think proper, what they shall apprehend the most likelj' means to answer these good purposes The Petition of M"". Jacob Emmons " praying the Town would make him a Grant of Money for his Land taken from him by a new Street being laid out by his Majestys Justices and the Select- men of this Town thro' his Land in Paddys Alley, or to take such other steps for relieving him in the [333.] Premisses as the Town may think proper" — was read, whereupon Voted that Thomas Daws Esq. M^ William Gray M"". William Whitwell William Homes Esq. M"". Robert Peirpoint be a Committee to consider the Petition and Report as soon as may be what may be proper for the Town to do thereon That Article in the Warrant (Viz'.) "What steps may be further necessary for obtaining a particular Account of all proceed- ings relative to the Massacre in King Street on Monday Night last, that a full and Just representation may be made thereof " — was read — whereupon Voted that The Hon"^^®. James Bowdoiu Esq. D''. Joseph Warren Samuel Pemberton Esq. be a Committee for this important Business, and they are desired to Report as soon as may be Voted that — be and they hereby are appointed a Committee for and in behalf of the Town to find out who those Persons are that were the Perpetrators of the horred Murders and Massacres done and committed in King Street on several of the Inhabitants in the Evening of the 5*. Instant and take such Examinations and Depo- sitions as they can procure, and lay the whole thereof before the Grand Inquest in order that such Perpetrators may be Indicted and brought to Tryal for the same, and upon Indictments being found, said Committee are desired to propose Matters for the Kings Attorney, to attend at their Tryals in the Superior Court, Subpena all the Witnesses, and do eveiy thing necessary for bringing those Murderers to that punishment for such Crimes, as the Laws of God and Man require — also / 14 City Document No. 91. [330.] Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to employ' one or more Council to offer to the Kings Attorney as Assistance to him in the tryal of the Murtherers now committed ; and in case the Kings Attorney should refuse such Assistance, and the Rela- tives of those Persons who were murthered should apply for it, that then the Town will bear the Expence that maj^ accrue there- by The Petition of M'. William Crafts " that he may be permitted to fence in a small Slip of Land bordering on the Mill Pond, and at the back of his House in Sudbury Street, now the Receptacle of all manner of fill h in order to prevent its continuing a Nusance, 'till the Town shall think proper to give further Orders respecting the Same " — was read — whereupon Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee to take this Petition under Consideration, and Report thereon ; they are also desired to make enquiry, and Report as soon as may be what incroach- ments have been made on the Towns Lands near the Mill Pond. That Article in the Warrant — (Viz'.) " "Whether the Town will take any measures, that a public Monument may be Erected on the spot where the late Tragical Scene was acted, as a Memento to Posterity of that horred Massacre, and the destructive Conse- quences of Military Troops being quartered in a well regulated City " — was read and considered, and the Town being of Opinion that an Event of such publick and universal Concernment, must be the ObJ2Ct of the attention of the General Assembly, — Voted unanimously to refer the further Consideration of this matter to the Adjournment of this Meeting That Article in the Warrant (Viz'.) " Whether Application shall be made to the General Court that an Act may be passed that his Majestys Justices of the Peace may be impower'd to Con- vict any Person or Persons who shall refuse to work at a Fire, upon the Oath of the Fire-ward, was read & debated, & the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Negative [234.] A Letter and Votes from the Town of Cambridge was read to the Inhabitants Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Fryday March 16"". 9. O'clock A: M: Fryday March 16"' 9. O'Clock A : M : Met according to Adjourn- ment The Town being informed that M"". Cushing chosen Moderator of this Meeting on the 12. Instant was prevented from giving his Attendance ; proceeded to the choice of another Gentleman to Moderate during the necessary absence of M"'. Cushing, and Richard Dana Esq. was chosen, and took the Oath respecting his paying and recieving Bills of Credit of the Governments of Con- necticut New Hampshire and Rhode Island as required by an Act of this Province which Oaths were Administred to him by M^ Justice Hill Upon a Motion made and seconded Voted, that a Committee be sent to the Committee of the Town meeting at the Town House, to know from them whether all the Troops had left us Boston Town Records, 1770. 15 M"". William Mollineux one of the above Committee came into Town Meeting and informed the Town that he had this Morning been with Coll°. Dalryraple to know how far he hud proceedccl in sending away the Troops, when he had assnred him tiiat the whole of what remained would be embarqued in four Boats by One O'clock, when they would immediately go down to Castle Isl- and Moved & Voted that the above Committee be desired to take such Measures for keeping up a Military Watch untill tlie Adjourn- ment of this Meeting as they shall think proper — and that Coll". Jackson [335.] Be desired to continue the Military Watch 'till said Adjournment Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday Morning 9. O'clock A: M: March 19. 9. O'Clock A: M: Met according to Adjourn- ment Voted, that M"". Samuel Adams John Hancock Esq. John Barret Esq. be a Committee to draw up a Memorial to the Lieuvetenant Gov- ernor and Council praying that special Justices may be appointed for the Superior Court now sitting in the room of those who may be necessarilj' prevented by sickness from attending their duty ; that so the Tryals of the many Criminals now committed may not be postponed The Committee appointed on the 12 Instant to prepare a Repre- sentation of the Facts and Circumstances relative to the late horred Massacre, laid before the Town a Draft of such a Representation, which was read and considered — whereupon — Voted unani- mously, that the same be accepted, and that the draft be recom- mitted for a further Revision, and when the same is compleated, that they forward Copys thereof by the first Opportunity to such Gentlemen in England as were mentioned in a former Vote A Motion made that a Fishing Schooner might be hired by the Town as a Packet to carry^ home their Dispatches relative to the late horred Massacre — whereupon Voted, that Cap'. John Bradfoi'd M". William Mollineux John Barret Esq. [336.] Be and hereby are appointed and impowered to take up a suitable Vessel immediately upon the best terms they can, which Packet is to proceed to England with such Dispatches as the Com- mittee to make Representation shall have to send Cap'. Dashwood offered himself in Town Meeting, to go Home charged with the Delivery of such Dispatches as were going by the Packet ; which offer was gratefully accepted by the Town Voted, that the Town will defrey the Expence which will accrue by means of Cap*. Dashwoods going Home with the Dispatches It having been mentioned in Town Meeting that Cap*. Robsou lately sayled for London had before his departure spoken that which highly reflected upon the Inhabitants of this Town especially the Bodv of Merchants ; the Committee of Examination were de- 16 City Document No. 91. sired to make enquiry relative thereto, and Report at the Adjourn- ment The Committee appointed to prepare a Petition to the Governor in Council relative to the Appointment of Special Justices, Re- ported a Draft which was accepted, and the Town ordered that the same be presented as soon as may be Upon a Motion made and Voted, that the Representation made by a Committee of the late horred Massacre by the Soldiery in King Street, be printed ■ M'". William MoUineux informed the Town that the whole of the Troops were now removed to Casile Island, and that he had good reason to think, the_y would all be soon sent out of the Province [237 »] Upon a Motion made the following Vote passed unanimously (Viz*.) — I'he Merchants not only of this Metropolis, but through the Continent, having nobly preferred the publick Good to their own private Emolument : And with a vow to obtain a redress of the Grievances so loudly and .Justly complained of, having almost unanimously engaged to suspend their Importations from Great Britain ; a measure approved by all Orders, as legal peaceable and most likel_y of all others to effect the salutary design in view, and which will bcregarded by Posterity with Ven- eration, for the disinterested and truly publick Spirit appearing in it : The Town cannot but express their Astonishment and Indig- nation, that any of its Citizens should be so lost to the feelings of Patriotism and the common Interest, and so thoroughly and infamously selfish as to obstruct this very measure, by continuing their Importation. — Be it therefore Solemnly Voted, that the Names of those Persons, /ew indeed to the Honor of the Town, viz*. — John Bernard, James M°.Masters, Patrick M°. Masters, John Mein, Nathaniel Rogers, Willl^m Jackson, Theopuilus Lillie, John Taylor, Ame and Elizabeth Cummins, Israel Williams Esq. & Son of Hatfield, and Henry Barnes of Marlburrough, be entred on the Records of this Town that Posterity may know who those Persons were that preferred their little private Advantage to the common Interest of all the Colonies, in a Point of the greatest Importance ; who not only deserted but opposed their Country in a struggle for the Rights of the Constitu- tion, that must ever do it Honor ; And who with a design to enrich themselves, basely took Advantage of the generous self denial of their Fellow Citizens for the common Good — also Voted, That the Thanks of this Town be given to all the Towns through the Province that have in their late Meetings with a gen- erous & truly publick Spirit, passed such Resolutions and Votes, as must greatly strengthed and confirm the salutary and necessary Measure of Non Importation entred into by the Merchants and Traders of this and other Maritime Places : At the same time the Town cannot but express their hopes that the Patriotick Spirit so widely diffused, and so nobly ardent, uniting all parts [338o] Of the Province, and disposing them with Alacrity lo aid one another upon all Occasions in the common cause, a Spirit not confined to but extending to all the Colonies, will ensure by the blessing of Heaven the Prosperity of the whole, and soon produce a thorough Boston Town Records, 1770. 17 effectual and permanent relief from our great and commou Grievances The Committee appointed on the 13*. Instant to procure Sub- scriptions to an Agreement not to dispose of Forreign Tea untill the Revenue Acts shall be repealed, iiaving Reported to the Town that their number was too small to answer the end of their Appointment Voted, that Mess'■^ John Ballard Nathaniel Holmes Samuel Salsbury John Simpkins Samuel Ruggies Jun"". Ebenczer Dorr John Lowell be added to the Committee relative to Tea, who are desired to Re- port as soon as may be That Article in the Warrant (Viz'.) "To consider of some effectual Methods to prevent unlicensed Strangers and other Per- sons from entertaining and supplying the Youth and Servants of the Town with spirituous Liquors ; for the breaking up of bad Houses ; and removal of any disorderly Intruders to the Places from whence they came ; and for the further discountenancing of Vice, and promoting a Reformation of Manners ; " was read & considered whereupon Voted, that Richard Boynton Esq. John Tuder Esq, John Hill Esq. Cap'. John Bradford M^ Ezekiel Price [339.] Be a Committee to take this Article into their Consider- ation, and Report as soon as may be Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday next being the 26. Instant 9. O'Clock. A: M:- At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Thursday the 22"*. of March A: D: 1770 Warrant for calling the Meeting - - read William Phillips Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting and took the Oaths respecting his paying and receiving Bills of Credit of the Governments of New Hampshire and Rhode Island as required by an Act of this Province The Committee chosen at an Adjournment of the last Meeting to take up a suitable Vessel to send to England with such Dis- patches as the Committee Appointed to make Representation of the late horred Massacre should have to send — Reported that they had agreeble to said Vote hired a Schooner of Cap'. Gardner for One hundred Pounds and twenty Pounds Sterling which Vessel would be ready for sayling b}' to Morrow — But it being the sense 18 City Document No. 91. of the Town that the whole transactions at the Adjournment of March Meeting on the lO*"^. Ins*, relative to the taking up a Ves- sel for the purpose aforesaid, was null and void, as the same had not been inserted in the Warrant for calling said Meeting ; it was determined to take up this Matter anew; and [340.] That Article in the Warrant (Viz'.) " To know the Mind of the Town whether a Vessel shall be hired as a Packet to carry the Dis- patches to London relative to the late Massacre, being read «& considered ; it was Voted unanimously, that John Barrett Esq. M''. William Mollineux Cap'. John Bradford be and hereby are appointed a Committee to take up for the Town a suitable Vessel as a Packet to carry such Dispatches to London as the Committee to make Representation &''. of the late Massacre in Boston by the Soldiery may have to send Cap'. Gardner came into Town Meeting and informed the Town, that he had got a Mate for his Schooner, upon whom he could depend, also a Hand extraordinary ; and that if it be the mind of the Town ; he would endeavor to secure a Landing upon the first English Ground he might make, and then immediately proceed to London in order to deliver with his own hand the Packets he may be intrusted with, to the Gentlemen to whom they shall be directed The Article in the Warrant (Viz'.) "To determine whether the Town will employ any Person beside the Captain of the Packet to be the Carrier of the Dispatches," was read, and considered, and the Question being accordingly put — passed in the Negative Whereas Cap'. Samuel Dashwood at a former Meeting of the Town generously offered to proceed to London with the Dispatches of the Town relative to the late horred Massacre, without fee or reward therefore Voted, unanimously. That the Thanks of the Town be given to Cap'. Dashwood for the above generous offer, [341.] Altho' the Town are since of Opinion that it is not necessary to employ an}' other Person for that purpose beside the Cap', of the Packet The other Article in the Warrant (Viz'.) "To Agree upon some- method of raising Money " for defreying the Charges that may be occasioned by sending a Vessel to England with Dispatches ; was also read and considered — whereupon Voted, that the Town Treasurer be and he hereby is impower'd and directed to borrow upon Interest the Sum of One hundred and fifty Pounds Sterling for which he is to give his Negotiable Note or Notes in order to defrey the Charge of Vessels hire and other Expences that may arise upon the sending and delivery of the Towns Dispatches to the Gentlemen to whom they will be directed Upon a Motion made Voted, that The Hon'*'''. James Bowdoin Esq. D^ Joseph Warren Samuel Pemberton Esq. Appointed a Committee to make Representation of the late horred Massacre by the Soldiery in Boston be desired to transmit by the Boston Town Records, 1770. 19 Packet to his Grace the Duke of Richmond, General Conway, and such other Gentlemen as they may think proper, one or more of those Representations so soon as they are printed Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to William Phillips Esq. the Moderator for dispatching the Business of this Meeting Then the Meeting was dissolved [34:3.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi- tants of the Town of Boston at Faneuil Hall by Adjournment from March 19 to March 26'^ 1770. 9. O'Clock A : M : The Hon^'®. Thomas Gushing Esq. tlie Moderator being obliged to attend the General Court setting at Cambridge, and Richard Dana Esq. chosen a Pro. Temp. Moderator during his absence being now confined by sickness — the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for another, when it ap- peared that — Joshua Henshaw Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting Pro. Temp, and took the Oaths f-especting his paying and receiving Bills of Credit of the New England Governments as required b}^ an Act of this Province The Committee appointed " to consider of some effectual Methods to prevent unlicensed Strangers and others from selling Spirituous Liquors ; for the breaking up of Bad Houses &''. and for the further discountenancing of Vice and promoting a Refor- mation of Manners" — Reported, that it was their Opinion, that full and ample provision is made in the Laws of this Province for those purposes. And in order more effectually to put said Laws in execution, the Committee recommend that twelve Tything Men one in each Ward of the Town be chosen whose duty is particularly pointed out in the Laws, and if executed properly, may in a great measure answer the good intentions of the Town — which Report having been considered — the Question was put — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the affermative : And the Committee were desired to set again and Report further at May Meeting The Town were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for twelve Tything-Men and upon sorting them it appeared that Mess" : John Preston William Fallass Andrew Oliver [343.] Nicholas Bowes Stephen Whiting John Clough Henry Roby Thomas Kemble Isaac Greenwood Benjamin Gooding Samuel Abbot Daniel Parker were chose Tything-Men for the Year ensuing • 20 City Document No. 91. The Committee appointed to " consider what further steps are necessary to strengthen the Non Importation Agreement ; dis- countenance the Consumption of Tea and for employing the Poor by encouraging Home Manufactures, and to Report to the Town from time to time the most likely means to answer these good purposes " now Report — That the best method of employing the Tradesmen and poor People in this Town is in the natural branch of Ship building which has been the staple and principal means of employing of the People ; and that the}^ have the pleasure and satisfaction to Report, that there will be three Vessels set up for that purpose in this Town " — which Report being put passed in the aflermative by a unanimous Vote The Committee appointed to prepare a true state of facts relat- ing to the execrable Massacre perpetrated on the Evening of the 5 Ins*., in order that the same be transmitted to Great Britain, having accordingly Reported ; and the Report being accepted by the Town and ordered to be printed — And whereas the publishing said Narrative with the Depositions accompanying it in this County, mry be supposed by the unhappy Persons now in custody for tryal as tending to give an undue Byass to the minds of the Jury who are to try the same — therefore Voted, that the Com- mittee reserve all the printed Copies in their Hands excepting those to be sent to Great Britain 'till the further orders of the Town [244.] Voted, that the Town Clerk be directed not to give out Copies or deliver any of the Original Papers respecting the late horred Massacre ; till the special order of the Town, or the direction of the Selectmen The Committee appointed by the Town to get the Sellers of Tea subscribe not to sell any niore Teas, till the late Revenue Acts are repealed — Reported — That they had attended that service, and that the Sellers of Tea have very generally signed not to sell, a few Persons excepted, who say they will not be singular, but will sign if its general — Mem. 212 Sellers have signed ■ The Votes and Resolutions of the Town of Charlestown respect- ing Tea delivered in to this Meeting, were read and considered of Upon a Motion made and seconded Voted, that Richard Dana Esq. John Rowe Esq. John Ruddock Esq. M"". John Adams William Phillips Esq. M''. Josiah Quincy Samuel Pemberton Esq, be a Committee to supervise the Laws relative to breaking into Houses and Stores ; as also other Laws that have appeared difflcieut 6 Report su-ch Amendments as they think proper at the May Meeting Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Tuesday 4. O'Clock P : M : Tuesday March 27. 1770. 4 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment Boston Town Eecords, 1770. 21 [345.] The Town having been informed by several Persons that a number of Soldiers with their Baggage landed Yesterday at "Wheelwrights Wharff — one Gentleman supposing that there was not less than Sixty Men — Voted, that M''. William MoUineux Joshua Henshaw Esq. Joseph Jackson Esq. M'^. Jonathan Mason Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.. be a Committee to make enquiry from time to time, whether any more Troops came up from Castle Island than they think neces- sary, and if they shall find it to. be otherwise, that they then im- mediately acquaint the Selectmen in order for their calling a Meeting of the Inhabitants Voted, that all Matters and things which remain unfinished at this Meeting be referred over to the General Town Meeting in May next to be then considered of and acted upon Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to the Hon''''^. Thomas Cushing Esq. and the other Gentlemen, Moderator and Pro. Temp. Moderators of this Meeting for dispatching the Business thereof Then the Meetina; was dissolved. [246.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the 8"^. Day of May Anno Domini — 1770 Prayer was made by the Rev"^. D"*. Chauncey The Precept and Warrant for calling the Meeting — read Sundry Laws _..--- read Joshua Henshaw Esq. one of the Selectmen proposed in their Name to the Inhabitants Assembled to proceed to the Choice of one or more Persons to Represent them in the Great & General Court or Assembly to be held at upon Wednesday the 30"^ of May Currant, and in order thereto to consider and ascertain the number of Gentlemen to be Elected ; accordingly it was Voted to proceed to the Choice of Four Representatives, and then it was declared by the Selectmen that no Votes will be received but such as are unfolded, and that they propose the PoU shall be closed at 12 O'clock The Votes being brought in the number of the same were found to be Five hundred and thirteen and upon sorting them it appeared that the Four following Gentlemen were chose — Viz*. — The Hon'^'^ James Bowdoin Esq. 439 Hon"^. Thomas Cushing Esq. ----- olO M'. Samuel Adams 510 Hon'''^ John Hancock Esq. 511 [247.] The choice of Representatives being over & declared by the Selectmen the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw, and bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting in order that the Town may proceed in transacting the other Affairs mentioned 22 City Document No. 91. in the Warrant ; accordingly tlie Inhabitants withdrew, and brought ill their Votes, and upon sorting Ihem it appeared that the Hon'''^. Thomas Gushing Esq. was chosen The Hon''^''. James Otis Esq. having by the advice of his Phy- sicians, retired into the Country for the recovery of his Health. Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be given to the Hon^^\ James Otis Esq; for the great and important Services which as a Representative in the General Assembly through a Course of Years He has rendered to this Town and Province ; particularly for his undaunted Exertions in the Common Cause of the Colo- nies from the beginning of the present glorious Struggle for the Eights of the British Constitution. At the same Time the Town cannot but express their Ardent Wishes for the recovery of His Health, and the continuance of those publick Services that must long be remembered with Gratitude, and distinguish his Name among the Patriots of America Voted, that the Gentlemen the Selectmen be a Committee to transmit to the Hon'''^. James Otis Esq. an attested Copy of the aforegoing Vote Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3. O'Clock P : M : 3 O'clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment. The Petition of a number of the Inhabitants " that the Select- men may be empowered to make sale of several pieces of unim- proved Land in diverse parts of the Town " — was read — where- upon [348.] Voted, that M^ William WhiteweU Thomas Daws Esq. M^ Samuel Downe M'. John Brown M'. Moses Gill M'. Josiah Quincy M"". Robert Pierpont be a Committee to take the Petition into Consideration ; confer with the Petitioners ; enquire and search out what vacant Lands belong to the Town — and Report as soon as may be That Ai-ticle in the Warrant Viz.' — '' Whether the Town will give Instructions to the Gentlemen that may be chosen to Repre- sent them in the next General Assembly — was read — where- upon Voted, that Richard Dana Esq. M"". Josiah Quincy D^ Joseph Warren Joshua Henshaw P^sq. Benjamin Kent Esq. be a Committee to Consider of and prepare proper Instructions which they are desired to lay before the Town at the Adjourn- ment. The Committee who draw up by Order of the Town a Nai-rative of the late horred Massacre perpetrated by the Soldiery in this Town on the 5"* of March last ; presented an Appendix to said Narrative, which having been read and considered — Voted, that Boston Town Eecords, 1770. 23 the Same be accepted, and that the Thanks of the Town be and herel)y are given to said Committee for their strict adherance to the design of the Town in their appointment ; and for their per- fecting the Business in so correct and masterly a manner The Committee appointed to consider of the Petition [249.] Of M^ Jacob Emmons praying, " that the Town would make him satisfaction for the damage he has or may sustain by the taking away of his Lauds in Paddys Alley for the enlarging of a Street" ; Reported verbally, " That in their Opinion M'. Emmons the Petitioner had not pursued the steps of the Law, for the obtaining a compensation for the Land, taken from him by a Committee of the Justices and Selectmen who laid out or enlarged the Passage Way called Paddys Alley ; that therefore the granting the Prayer of his Petition would be attended with difficulties, particularly by opening a Door for other Persons to apply to the Town who are under like Circumstances " — whereupon it was motioned that M'', Emmons have leave to withdraw his Petition, and the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Afferma- tive. Voted, that the Sum of One hundred and twenty Pounds be allowed and paid unto M"". John Lovell, for his Salary as Master of the South Grammar School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last Quarter. Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid unto M^ Samuel Hunt for his Salary as Master of the North Gram mar School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due and to commence at the expiration of the last Quarter. Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed & paid unto M"^. John Proctor for his Salary as Master of the Writing School in Queen Street for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last Qu^ Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed & paid unto M"". Samuel Holbrook for his Salary as Master of the Writing School in the Common for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last Quarter [250.] Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid unto M"'. John Tileston for his Salary as Master of the North Writing School the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last Quart"". Voted, that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed & paid unto M"". James Lovel for his Salary as Usher of the South Grammar School for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last Quarter Voted, that a further Sum of Forty Pounds be allowed and paid unto M"". James Lovel as an encouragement for him to remain and exert himself in the Service of the Town the ensuing Year, the 24 City Document No. 91. same to be paid liim quarterly as it shall become due & to com- mence at the expiration of the last Quarter Voted, that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allowed and paid unto M''. James Carter for his Salary as Usher of the Writing School in Queen Street, the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quar- terly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last Quarter Voted, that a further Sura of Twenty five Pounds be allowed and paid unto M''. James Cartel* as an encouragement for him to exert himself in the Service of the Town the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last Quarter Voted, that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allow'd & paid to such Person as the Selectmen shall Appoint an Assistant for the Master of the Writing School in the Common the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, & to commence at the expiration of the last Quarter [251.] Voted, that the Sum of Thirty four Pounds be allowed and paid unto M''. John Tileston Master of the Writing School at the North End for providing an Assistant for the Y'ear ensuing, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due and to commence at the expiration of the last Quarter Voted, that the Sum of One hundi-ed Pounds be allowed and paid out of the Town Treasury^ unto M"". David Jeffries for his Services as Treasurer of the Town the Year past, and for all his Expences in that Office Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Tuesda}' May 15"^. — 3. O'clock P: M: Tuesday May 15 : 3. O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjourn- ment- To the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Boston in Towa Meeting Assembled May 15 : 1770 Pursuant to a Vote of the Town of Boston at their Annual Meeting the 8"\ Day of May last desiring the Selectmen to Visit the several public Schools in the Town, and to invite such G-entle- men to accompany them therein as they should think proper, and to Report thereon We the Subscribei's accordingly attended that Service on Wednesday the 5th Day of July last accompanied by the following Gentlemen viz'. The Hon'''®, James Bowdoin Esq. Thomas Hubbard William Brattle Esq. Hari'ison Grey Esq. John Erving Esq. Thomas Flucker Esq. [253.] The Hon"'''. James Pitts Esq. James Otis Esq. The Representatives of the Town The Overseers of the Poor The Rev"*. M^ Samuel Checkley Boston Town Eecords, 1770. .25 M'. Samuel Mather Mather Bylc s . . . . D : D Andrew Eliot . . . . D : D Samuel Cooper . . . D : D M'. Treat M"". Penuil Bowen M''. Simeon Howard M^ John Lothrop M^ John Walley M''. Treasurer Jeffries William Shea.ff Esq. M"". Francis Johonnot. M"-. Caleb Blanchard. M''. Nathaniel Appleton. M''. Robert Williams. Cap'. Solomon Davis. M''. James Ivers. Cap*. Job Prince. M^ Samuel Procter. Byfield Lyde Esq. Isaac Smilh Esq. Ezekial Goldthwait Esq. Commodore Hood M^ Samuel Swift. M^ John Adams. Eichard Dana Esq. Coll°.Thomas Marshall. Maj''. Cunningham. [353.] Cap'. Josiah Waters. M''. Edward Cai'nes. M". Robert Jenkins. M''. Ebenezer Storer. Melatiah Bourn Esq. And found the South Grammar School had 142 Scholars; the North Grammar School GO Scholars ; the South Writing School 203 Scholars ; the North Writing School 253 Scholars ; the Writ- ing School in Queen Street 251 Scholars ; all in verj^ good order. — Voted, that the above Report be accepted, and that the Gentle- men the Selectmen be desired to visit the public]?: Schools the Year ensuing, and invite such Gentlemen to accompany them as they may think proper. The Committe Appointed to examine the Accompts of M". David Jeffries Town Treasurer have attended that Service and find the same right cast and well vouched ; in which he charges himself with sundry Fines, Rents and other Incomes of the Town, as also with the Taxes of £8000,, all which amount to the sum of £12331,, 2,, 6^ including the balance of old Account. And the said Treasurer discharges himself by Sundry Abate- ments made the Collectors amounting to £347,, 17,, 9 By Drafts made by the Selectmen amounting to £3113,, ,, 8^ of which he has paid £?553,, 16,, 11^ and by Drafts made by the Overseers of the Poor which contain the Charges of the Alms house amounting 26 City Document No. 91. to £3330,, 17„ 5 of which he has paid £2162,, 15,, 7J. Also by Sundry Sums paici for Interest amounting to £220,, 12,, 6J ; the whole amounting to £7212,, 8,, 5 The said Committee have inspected said Drafts in very par- ticular manner and have examined the Vouchers produced by the Overseers of the Poor for the amount of their Drafts, and every other branch of publick Charge, amounting in all as above to £7212,, 8,, 5 [354.] As by Account of Town Treasury, in the Town Treasurers Books balance whereof being £5118,, 14,, 1^ is carried to Credit of new Account. Which Report and Account being read. Voted, that the same be and hereby is accepted Voted, that the Sum of Four thousand Pounds be Raised by a Tax upon Polls and Estates within this Town for Relief of the Poor and defreying other necessary Charges arising within the Town the Year ensuing The Committee appointed on the 8^. Instant to prepare Instruc- tions for our Representatives, Reported the following Draft which being read and considered, was accepted by the Town Nemine Contradicente ; And it was ordered, that the said Report be pub- lished in the several News Papers. To the Hon^'^. James Bowdoin Esq. & Thomas Cushing Esq. AP. Samuel Adams and the Hon*^'*^. John Hancock cock Esq. Gentlemen The Town of Boston by their late choice of you to Represent them in the ensuing General Court, have given strong proof of their confidence in your abilities and integrity. For no period since the perilous times of our venerable Fathers has worn a more gloomy and melancholy jispect. Unwarrantable and arbitrary ex- actions made upon the people — trade expiring, grievances mur- murs discontents convulzing every part of the British Flmpire, forbode a day of tryal, in which under G-od nothing but strict virtue and inflexible fortitude can save us, from a rapacious and miser- able distruction. A series of oceurrances, many recent events, and especially the late Journals [255o] Of the House of Lords af- ford great reason to believe, that a Deep laid & desperate plan of Imperial despotism has been laid, and partly executed, for the extinction of all civil liberty ; and from a gradual sapping the giand foundation from a subtle undermining the main pillars, breaking the strong bulwarks destroying the principal ramparts and battlements, the august and once revered, fortress of english freedom^ the admirable work of ages, — the British Constitution seems fast tottering into fatal & inevitable ruin. The dreadful catastrophe threatens universal havock, and presents an awful warning to hazard all if peradventure, we in these distant confines of the Earth may prevent being totally overwhelm'd and buried under the ruins of our most established rights. For many Years past we have with sorrow beheld the approaching conflict ; various have been the causes, which pressed on this decisive period, and everything now cons|)ires to prompt a full exertion of our utmost vigilance wisdom and firmness ; — and as y^ exigencies of the Boston Town Records, 1770. 27 times require, not only the refined abilities of true policy ; but the more muitial virtues ; conduct valor and intrepidity ; So Gentle- men in giving you our suffrages, at this Election, we have devolved upon you a most important trust; to discharge which we doubt not you will summon up the whole united faculties of mind and body. We decline Gentlemen a minute detail of many momentous con- cernments, relative to which it is believed no Instructions need be given ; but we shall express our thoughts on such matters as we suppose you will choose to have our explicit sentiments. A Grievance which will early present itself in the ensuing Ses- sions (and to redress which you are to take all proper and spirited methods) is that of holding the General Court at Harvard Col- lege, not only against antieut usage and established law, but also against the wellfare of that Seminarj- of learning, the happy ad- vancement of which, this Province ever had and still have so much at heart. We would have you Gentlemen particularly Scrutinize into the wise and cautious transactions of our worthy Fathers in 1721. They it should be known, in that year tho not directly called to weigh [356.] The high importance of the question, yet, on this very matter, behaved with a political foresight, and segacious circumspection, truly admirable and worthy imitation : The small pox then almost as pestilential as the phigue, rendrcd the Meeting of the General Court in Boston morally impossible ; yet so convinced was the Governor of the Province of his own defect of authority to remove the General Assembly out of Town, that when nil the Mem- bers daring to attend the Court in that infectious season, were as- sembled in the Council Chamber unable to make a quorum of the lower House they were expressly assured by his Excellency that the proposed adjourning into the Country should not be drawn into President. Accordingly a reliance doubtless being had on such solemn assurance, no objections appear entred on record against the Adjournment, when thro' a providential calamity, a transaction of business in the proper place was become really im- practicable. No Proverb is more familiar, than that necessity knows no law ; and the Court no doubt on this natural considera- tion was was immediately adjourned out of this Town. Yet so universally sensible were the people of that duty, and especially the three branches of Legislature, that an act of the whole Court, even when such a fatal emergency had forced the Adjournment, absolutely requisite to legalize and capasitate for their proceedure to publick business : — and accordingly a vote passed the honour- able House to that purpose, the same was concurred by his Majes- tys Council, and approved & formally assented to, by the Com- mander in Chief : — all which appears on the publick records of the Province. Now we should be glad to be informed, how these proceedings in essence sense and spirit, differ from a full ample and final denunciation of the law establishing the seat of Govern- ment. We are not ignorant that in 1728/9 a controversy was forced on relative to this point. This dispute had its rise, like many of 28 City Document No. 91. more modern date, in consequence of ministerial Instructions which to borrow a phrase of the then House " are not pleasant to mention." — (257.) We are not unacquainted that his Majestys Attorney and Solicitor General were at this time consulted relative to our legal seat of Government. We also lle and voluntary renunciation of a baneful Com- Boston Town Records, 1770. 31 merce lias naturally occasioned a general stagnation of trade ; and as the true riches of a people are numbers and industry we warmly recommend to you such measures as will tend to increase popula- tion, incourage industry and promote our own manufactures; and as this is a very pacifick political devise for the defeat of our ma- licious foes, we presume it may be less obnoxious to the virulent slander of ministerial dependants — but these salutary methods of genuine policy ought never to exclude or supersede the more open, manly, bold and pertenacious exertions for our freedom. One of the most weighty matters, which attracts our affection, and lies deep in the heart of every honest sensible American, is the firm and lasting union of the Colonies ; There is no one point which ought more to engage our affectionate zeal. Our enemies well knowing the consequence of this great acquisition, have bent their whole force to render it abortive. Without the least founda- tion Jealousies have been assiduously infused, diabolical falsehood forged, idle tales propogated, little discords fomented ; and every engine that fraud could invent, and hardy villains manage, has been set to work in order to retard if not utterly overthrow this desirable atainment, but all has not done it. The Ej^es of our worthy Brethren thro' the Continent are open — yet as we know the plotting mallice inveteracy & indefatigueable labour of the desperately wicked, we strongly inculcate that you be zealous to keep up a cordial intercourse, with our Sister Colonies ; and as our interests are so apparently inseparable, nothing but an intimate [362.] Communion is requisite to cement our political and natu- ral attachment We have for a long time beheld with grief and astonishment the unwarrantable practise of ministerial instructions to the Command- ers in Chief of this Province ; it is high time Gentlemen for this matter to be searched into and remidied. Such an enormous stretch of power, if much longer unchecked, will eventually annihilate the essentials of all civil liberty. It is repugnant to the very first principle of true government (which was alone instituted for the good of the governed) that a remote power not only much disconnected but often different in interests should undertake at pleasure to controul any command in affairs of the last moment for the benefit and relief of the people — a power 3000 transmarine miles distant, not only ignorant of our true wellfare, but if perchance discovered interested to oppose it; not only attempting to oppress, but actuallj^ oppressing — that such a power should be allowed, wontonlj' to proscribe patricians & plebeins, at will to fix the residence of our parliament ; to oi'der that parliament when and how to proceed, and where to retire ; at one time to forbid the best improvement of our own produce, at another time effectually to force us to purchase forreign merchan- dize ; and again as it were sword in hand to demand our property ; and anon to forbid our own disposal of a certain part of it — these are doctrines & political solicisms which maj' take root and spring up, under the meridian of modern Rome ; but we trust in God will not flourish in the soil and climate of British America. We there- fore strictly charge j'ou not to grant any supplys to the instru- 32 City Document No. 91. ments of government if through their defect or misapplication the grand end for which we support and pay our Rulers are not accomplished. We also recommend to you carefully to enquii'e into the state of criminal [2(33.] Prosecution in our executive courts ; and endeavor to revive the antient method of appointing the Attorney General, agreable to charter; for we believe that such a step will be attended with very salutary consequences, in the advancement of public Justice, the punishment of offenders and the general good order of the Province — Our choice of you Gentlemen to represent us at this hazardous Juncture is a sufficient evidence of our great dependence on your wise honest and steady conduct — We therefore leave all other matters to your best discretion and Judgment ; till we shall see fit to give further instructions — We greatly confide that you will bear in strong remembrance, the hardships and sufferings of our pious fathers, to find out and purchase this remote assylm from ecclesiastical persecution and civil tyranny ; that insi)ire(l by their glorious example, you v. ill vigorously repel even unto the utter- most the insults and violences of internal and external enemies to our peace. We remind you that the further Nations recede and give way to the gigantick strides of any powerful Despot, the more rapidly will the Fiend advance to spread wide desolation ; and then should an attempt be made to stay his ravaging progress — " the dogs of war let loose and hot for blood rush on to waste and havock ! — Obsta principiis is the maxim to be held in view. It is now no time to halt between two opinions ; the demands of fraud, violence and usurpation are unsatiable. It is therefore no season to stand listning to subtle alurements, deceitful cajoliugs, or formidable threatenings. We therefore enjoin you at all hazards to deport (as we rely your own hearts will stimulate) like the faithful Representatives of a freeborn, awakened and determined people — who being impregnated with the spirit of liberty in con- ception, and nurtured in principles of freedom from their infancy are resolved to breathe the same celestial ether, till summoned to resign the heavenly flame by that omnipotent God who gave it Voted, that the Gentlemen the Selectmen be and they hereby are appointed to act upon the list of Jurors [364.] The Town brought in their Votes for one Overseer of the Poor, and upon sorting them it appeared, that M^ Samuel Abbot was chosen Overseer of the Poor for the Year ensuing. Voted unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to the Hon'''®. Thomas Gushing Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for dispatching the business thereof Then the Meeting was dissolved At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 6^^. Day of June Anno Domini 1770 Boston Town Eecords, 1770. 33 Prayer was made by the Rev*^. Ebenezer Pemberlon. The Precept and Warrant for calling the Meeting — read. Joshua Henshaw Esq. one of the Selectmen proposed in their name to the Inhabitants Assembled to the choice of one Person to Represent them in the Great and General Court or Assembly in their present Sessions and so for the remaining part of the Year in the room of the Hou"°. James Bowdoin Esq. Elected into his Majestys Council. Accordingly it was Voted to procved to the [365.] choice Of one Representative And then it was declared by the Selectmen that no Votes will be received but such as are unfolded, and that they propose the Poll shall be closed at 12 O'clock The Votes being brought in the number of the same wore found to be Eive hundred and thirty six, and upon sorting them it appeared that John Adams Esq. was chosen by a great majority 418 Votes The choice of Representatives being over and declared by the Selectmen, the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and laring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting in order that the Town may proceed in transacting the other affairs mentioned in the Warrant ; accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew and brought in their Votes, and upon sorting them it appeared that William Phillips Esq. was chosen The Town being informed soon after that M''. Phillips was not in Boston, withdrew as directed and brought in their Votes for another Moderator, and upon sorting them it appeared that John Ruddock Esq. was chosen, almost unanimously The Town brought in their Votes for one Overseer of the Poor ; the choice of M^ Abbot on the 15*''. of May lust not being appro- hended by tlie Town to be altogether legal as the Inhabitants were not particularly notified of the choice of said Officer before the time of Meeting : Upon sorting of the Votes it appeared that the aforenamed M"". Samuel Abbot was chosen an Overseer of the Poor for the remainder of the Year in the room of Tiiomas Tyler Esq. lately deceased The Town brought in their Votes for one Assessor in the room of M"". William Fairfield lately deceased, and upon sorting them it appeared that [266.] Gyles Harris Esq. was chosen an Assessor for the remainder of the Year Upon a Motion made and seconded — Voted, unanimously, that it is the desire of this Town in consideration of the present aspect of Divine Providence towards the British Nation, and these American Colonies ; that a Day be set apart for fasting and prayer through tliis Province ; and that the Gentlemen who repre- sent us in General Assembly, communicate our sentiments to their other Brethren of the House Voted unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to John Ruddock Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for dispatching the business thereof Then the Meeting was dissolved 34 CiTr Document No. 91. At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the 10*. Day of July Anno Domini 1770. 9 O'Clock A : M : Warrant for calling the Meeting read The Hon''^^ Thomas Gushing Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting and took the Oatlis respecting his paying & receiving Bills of Credit of the Governments of iS'ew Hampshire Connecti- cut [S67.] Rhode island, which were administred to him by M''. Justice Avery Sundry Letters received by Cap*. Gardner Master of the Packet taken up by the Town, in answer to those by him to our Friends in England, relative to the horred Massacre on 5*. of March last, were read to the Town The Article in the Warrant Viz'. — "And that such further steps ma}" be taken as shall be Judged necessary, to counteract the designs of those inveterate Enemies among us, who there is reason to think are still continuing their Misrepresentations, and using their Endeavours to increase the present unhappy misunder- standing between Great Britain and the Colonies " — was read and considered whereupon Voted, that The Hon'^"'. Thomas Gushing Esq. M''. Samuel Adams John Hancock Esq. Richard Dana Esq. M^ William Phillips M"". William MoUineux D'. Joseph Warren M"^. Ebenezer Storer M^ William Greanleaff be a Committee to draw up a true state of the Town, and the con- duct of the Commissioners since the 5"^. of March last ; and to Report the same at the Adjournment A Motion made that the printed Narratives of the late horred Massacre, which has been retained by order of the Town in the hands of the Committee ; may now be sold by the Printei's, and the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Narrative Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Fryday next the 13*. Instant 3 O'Clock P : M : [368.] Fryday the 13 July 1770. 3 O'Clock P : M : Town met according to Adjournment The Committee appointed the 10 Inst*, to draw up a true state of the Town and the conduct of the Commissioners of the Board of Customs since the 5*''. of March last — Reported a draft of a Letter to be sent our friends in England, and the same having been read and considered — Voted, that said draft be accepted, and that the said Committee be desired to transmit fair Copys of said Letter to such Gentlemen in England as they shall think proper Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to the Hon'''^ Thomas Gushing Esq. the Modera- tor of this Meeting for dis|)atching the Business thereof. Then the Meetiuo; was dissolved Boston Town Eecords, 1770. 35 At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 20 Day of August Anno Domini 1770. Warrant for calling the Meeting read Richard Dana Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting and took the Oaths respecting his paying and receiving Bills of Credit of the Government of New Hampshire Connecticut & Rhode Island, which were Administred to hii'fi by M^ Justice [369.] The Petition of a number of Inhabitants setting forth, '■''I hat the Passage Way leading from the North part of Faneuil Hall Market into Ann Street and Union Street, is so nar- row as often times to obstruct the passing of Carts, Trucks and other Carriages thereby endangering the Limbs and Lives of the Inhabitants, and is a public Nuisance, and praying that said Pas- sage Way may be widened and enlarged, either by flUing up the South West part of the Town Dock, so far as to render the same convenient for the passage of Carriages &c. or in such other man- ner as to them may seem meet" — was rend, and upon a Motion made & seconded — the Question was put — Whether the Town will proceed to take into Consideration the Subject matter of this Petition as inserted in the Warrant Passed in the Affermative. The above Petition having been read and considered — Voted, that the Selectmen be desired and irapower'd to fill up the Dock from the South East Corner of the Towns Land to the Warehouse occupied by the Heirs of the late John Fayerweather Esq. on a strait line to the Northwest Corner opposite to M"". Joseph Tylers Shop (without obstructing the several Drains) for the present ac- commodation of Faneuil Hall Market, reserving to the Town their right of shutting up said Ways, when they shall Judge it conven- ient Voted unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to Richard Dana Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for dispatching the Business thereof Then the Meeting was dissolved. [370.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi- tants of the Town of Boston legalh' qualified and warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall August 24'"^, 1770. Warrant for calling the Meeting read .John Hancock Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting and took the Oaths respecting his paying and receiving Bills of Credit of the Governments of New Hampshire Connecticut and Rhode Island. The Venire directed to the Constables of Boston for the choice of Six Grand Jurors and eighteen Petit Jurors for August Court was read The after examination, finding that the Temporary Law for regulating the choice of Jurymen was expired, and having taken 36 City Document No. 91. the Opinion of Richard Dana Esq. Council at Law, proceeded to the choice of Jurymen agreable to the Venire ; and the following Persons were nominated and chose Viz'. 6 Grand Jurors. M''. Ebenczer Lowell M". Joseph Tnrell M^ John Cunningham M^ William Palfrey M''. Thomas Jackson Benjamin Austin Esq. 18 Petit Jurors M'. Thomas Fletcher M'. Richard Boynton ----- excused M''. Daniel Jones George Irvins: Esq. ^ [371.] M'. Josiah Torrey M^ Edward Grant M^ Henry Hill M^ Nathaniel Barret M"". George Trott Thomas Araory Esq .----- excused Cap'. Fortesque Vernon M^. Phillip Dumaresque ----- excused Benjamin Faneuil Esq. M^ Robert Rand . • Cap'. Solomon Davis Moses Peck - - - (served within the time) M"". Joshua Gardner M''. John Winnitt ------- excused M^ Joshua Green ------- M"". Samuel Ridgway Jun"". - - - - excused M"". William Lo'wder M"". William Frobisher Ezekiel Lewis Esq. - (served within the time) M-". Charles Coffin M^ Neal M-^Intyre Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be and here- by are given to John Hancock Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for his services Then the Meetina; was dissolved. [272.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Thursday' the 20'\ of September Annoqui Domini 1770 Warrant for calling the Meeting ------ -read The Hon'^'''. John Hancock Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting, and took the Oaths respecting his paying and receiving Bills of Credit of the Government of New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island Boston Town Records, 1770. 37 The Petition of diverse of the Freeholders representing " that the Town have at their late Meeting Voted to fill up part of the Town Dock in order to enlarge the Passage Way, and that they appre- hend it will be attended with much greater Expence to the Town than if the same was whoU}' filled up, therefore praying that the minds of the Inhabitants may be taken upon the matter, that they may act upon the same as they may think meet " — was read, — after debate had thereon — Voted, that — John Ruddock Esq. Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq. Joseph Jackson Esq. RF. William Cooper John S coll ay Esq. be a committee to take the Petition into Consideration enquire into the Titles to the Dock, and make Report as soon as may be The Proposal of a number of the Inhabitants for forming a Societ}^ in order to promote Arts, Agriculture, Manufactures and Commerce in this Province " — was read and upon a Motion made and seconded — Voted, that The Hon'^^''. John Hancock Esq. [373.] The IIonb'^ Thomas Cushing Esq. M''. Samuel Adams M"". Thomas Boylstoa John Adams Esq. D"^. Joseph Warren M''. William Dennie be a Committee to take the Proposal into Consideration, and Re- port as soon as may be Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Saturday the 29*^. Instant 3 O'Clock P: M: Satturday the 29*. Day of September 3 O'Clock P: M: Met ac- cording to Adjournment John Hancock Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting being out of Town, the Inhabitants Assembled proceeded to the choice of an- other, when it appeared that John Ruddock Esq. was chosen Mod- erator, during the necessary absence of John Hancock Esq A Venire for the choice of Six Persons to Serve as Jurymen at the Infereior Court in October next was read — and the Town having proceeded to the choice of Jurymen, according to the standing Law of this Province, the Temporary Law for the regu- lating the choice of Petit Jurymen being expired M'. William Daws M'". William Phillips M^ Richard Salter M"". Andrew Boardman M"". John Scott M'. Thomas Drown were the Persons chose, and the Venire was then retui'n'd to Con- stable Wells [374.] The Committee appointed to Consider the Petition of a number of Inhabitants relative to filling up the Town Dock, and also to enquire into the Titles of the Abutters &c. having informed 38 City Document No. 91. the Town that they were not ready to make Report thereon — It was the desire of the Town that they would make Repoi t at the Adjournment The Committee relative to the proposal of a number of the In- habitants for forming a Society in order to promote Arts, Agricult- ure, Manufactures and Commerce in this Province, not being present their Report which had been lodged with the Town Clerk, was not read, but the consideration thereof referred to the Ad- journment Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday next, being the 8*'^. Instant 10 O'Clock Before Noon Monday October 8. 10. O'Clock A: M: Met according to Adjournment, M'. Hancock in the Chair John Ruddock Esq. Chairman of the Committee to Consider the Pi'tition of a number of the Inhabitants relative to filling up the Dock &". acquainted the Town that said Committee were not then able to Report as fully as they intended ; and therefore desired leave to Report at the Adjournment which was accordingly granted. M"". Ruddock then motioned that as the business of the Adjourn- ment was of considerable importance to the Inhabitants ; the Selectmen might be directed to issue timel}' Notifications of the Adjournment of this Meeting and the Business that will then come before the Town, that so there may be a punctual and general attendance of the Inhabitants — And the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affermative [375.] Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday next being the 15. of October inst'. 10. O'Clock Before Noon Met according to Adjournment this 15 Day of October 1770. 10 O'clock A: M: The Committee appointed by the Town " to enquire into the Titles of the Abutters, on the Town Dock, and to determine whether the same shall be filled up agreable to the prayer of a Petition for that purpose " attended this Meeting and informed the Town that they were only ready to make a partial Report — whereupon it was moved, that the Question be put — " Whether the Report of the Committee should be received in so thin a Meet- ing of the Inhabitants, — and the Question Voted, that the Committee appointed to Consider of the Proposal of a number of the Inhabitants for forming a Society to promote Agriculture, Manufactures and Commerce in this Province as also the Committee appointed on the Petition of a number of the Inhabitants relative to filling up the Dock &'^. be desired to make their Several Reports at the next General Town Meeting Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to the Hon*"'^. John Hancock Esq. Moderator of this Meeting for his Services as Moderator Then the Meeting was dissolved Boston Town Eecoeds, 1771. 39 [376.] Prayor was made by the Rev**. M^ Mather Warrant for calling the Meeting ------- read Sundry Laws enjoiu'd to be read at this Meeting were accord- ingly read The Hon'''^. Thomns Gushing Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting and took the Oaths respecting his paying & receiving Bills of Credit of the Governments of Connecticut New Hamp- shire and Rhode Island, as required by an Act of this Province M''. William Cooper was chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing, and having taken the Oath respecting his paying and receiving Bills of Credit of the Governments of Connecticut, New Hampshire & Rhode Island, took the Oath of Office for the fiiith- ful discharge of his duty, which Oaths were Administred to him by M". Justice Dana The Town proceeded to the choice of Seven Selectmen and the Votes being brought in and sorted, it appeared that The Hon'''''. Joshua Henshaw Esq. - - -(excused) ColP. Joseph Jackson Esq. John Ruddock Esq. The Hon""'. John Hancock Esq. Samuel Pembeiton Esq. , M''. Henderson Inches , M''. Jonathan Mason were chose Selectmen for the Year ensuing see Page [377.] The Town brought in their Votos for Twelve Over- seers of the Poor, and upon sorting them it appeared, that John Barret Esq. The Hon""*. Royal Tyler Esq. M''. Benjamin Dolbear M'. William Whitwell M^ William Greanleaff William White Esq. M'. Joseph Waldo .-.-- (excused) John Leveret Esq. John Gore Esq. Cap*. Samuel Partridge M'. Samuel Whitwell M''. Samuel Abbot were chose Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing see Page Upon a Motion made Voted, that 4 O'Clock Afternoon be assign'd for the choice of a County Register, and a County Treasurer — The Town brought in their Votes for Twelve Wardens and upou sorting them it appeared that Isaac Smith Esq. ColP. Thomas Marshall Esq. M''. David Jeferies. M''. Ebenezer Storer Onesip'. Tileston Esq. 40 City Document No. 91. . John Gore Esq. Newman Grenough Esq. Cap*. Mai'tin Gay M^ Daniel Waldo M^ Caleb Davis M^ John White M'". Daniel Parker [378.] Were chose Wardens for the Year ensuing The Town brought iu their Votes for Sixteen Fire- Wards and upon sorting them it appeared, that John ScoUay Esq. Newman Grenough Esq. John Rowe Esq. M''. William Cooper M'. John Mico Wendell. ColP. Thomas Marshall Esq. M'. Joseph Tyler Cap*. Adino Paddock M''. James Richardson Cap*. Benjamin Waldo — The Hon'"^ John H uncock Esq. M'. Samuel Adams — Thomas Daws Esq. — M''. Alexander Hill — Francis Shaw Esq. were chose Fire- Wards for the Year ensuing The Town brought in their Votes for a Town Treasurer and upon sorting them it appeared, that M^ David Jeffries was chosen and having taken the Oath respecting his paying and receiving Bills of Credit of the other Governments, took the Oath of Office for the faithful discharge of his duty which Oaths were Adminis- tred to him by M"'. Justice Mess'^^ Richard Palms Joseph Dommet William Fowle William Smith — [379.] Moses Grant Ebeuezer liridgham Frede iek William Geer Josiah Eliot William Jones — John Hunt Tertius John Nazro William Cazneau were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing Upi)n a Motion made and seconded — the Question was put — Whether Constables & Collectors of Taxes shall be chose sepper- ate — Passed in the affirmative Voted, that the Sum of Five Pounds be Remitted out of the Ten Pounds Pine to such Persons as shall be chose into the Office of Constable for the Year ensuing, and shall decline serving Voted, that the Sum of Twelve Pence on the pound, be and Boston Town Eecords, 1771. 41 hereby is allowed to such Persons as shall be chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing, for all such Sums as they sliall Col- lect ; provided theyptiy into the several Treasuries the whole Sum committed to them to Collect on or before the lO"'. Day of August 1772 Eight Pence on the Pound on all such other Sums as they shall have so paid into said Treasuries on or before the 20'**. Day of December 1772 — and Four Pence upon the pound upon the remainder of the Sums they shall be obliged to Collect provided such remainder shall be fully paid in on or before the second Monday in March 1773 This Premium as above expressed appears to be Just and equitable, and an ample Allowance to the Collec- tors to encourage them to di-charge their Duty with diligence and fidelity ; provided also that each of said Collectors give Bond with sufficient Sureties to the satisfaction of [380.] The Selectmen for the faithful discharge of their duty in said Office, and complying with this Vote The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Four Collectors of Taxes, and upon sorting them it appeared that Mess". Sampson Salter Edward Hollyday Abraham Savage Benjamin Henderson were chose into that Office The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Seven Assessors, and upon sorting them it appeared that M"^. John Kneeland M"". Benjamin Church Belclier Noyes Esq. M'. Daniel Pecker M'. Jonathan Brown Moses Deshon Esq. Gyles Harris Esq. were chose Assessors for the Year ensuing Mess''^ William Nichols Andrew Symms Clement Collins Henry Allen Isaac Vergoose John Grenough Jacob Thayer Joseph Edmunds John Skill ins Richard Walker John Champney John Bulfinch [381.] Abraham Howard Joseph Butler Joseph Eyres Thomas Bayley Andrew Townsend Joseph Ballard John Holland ^2 City Document No. 91. . John Rogers Edmund Ranger Thomas Uran Elisha Homes Obediah Low Benjamin Page were chose Surveyers of Boards for the Year ensuing. Mess". John Joy Obediiih Low Samuel Dyer John Dyer William Crafts were chose Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing Mess''\ Samuel Bangs Joseph Clark — Daniel Parks Benjamin Bass Cap'. Adino Paddock - - - (excused) Thomas Noland weie chose Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing Mess". William Daws Jun. Thomas Edes were chose Informers of Deer for the Year ensuing [283.] Mess". Peter Cotta Manesseh Masters Joseph Dyer John Harskins David Spear Jonathan Jenkins Job Wheelright Joshua Pico — Benjamin Salt Paul Baxter — John Owen Thomas Knox Samuel White Edward Cowell Edward Potter Peter Ellis Timothy Pease Nathaniel Waterman Jacob Williams Samuel Bernard — John Newell Joseph Phillips Henry Lucas Caleb Hayden were chose Cullers of Staves for the Year ensuing Mess". David Sirains Thomas Curtis were chose Hogreeves for the Year ensuing Boston Town Records, 1771. 43 M^ Thomas Curtis was chosen Hayward for the Year ensuing — — [383.] M^ John Gray was chosen Survey er of Hemp for the Year ensuing Upon a Motion made and seconded, it was Voted, that the Scav- ingers be chose out of their respective Wards, one to each Ward Wards. Mess". John R. Sigorney --N". 1 After Stoddard --------- 2 Edward Foster- -.-----.- 3 Freeman Pulsifer --------- 4 John Merrit .-----»--- 5 - ' - Thomas Russell --------- 6 Joseph Ridgaway --------- 7 William Perkins --------- 8 Robert Williams .--.--.-- 9 Elisha Eaton ----------10 John Martin ----------H Benjamin Wheeler ------ --12 were chose Scavingers for the Year ensuing John Tuder Esq. M^ John Lucas were chose Suveyers of Wheat for the Year ensuing Cap*. Martin Gay M^ John Skinner were chose Assay Masters for the Year ensuing Voted that the Selectmen be desired to enforce the duty of Scavingers upon such as have been chose into that Office ; and if they should find any defects in the Laws relating to those Officers, that they Report the same to the Town, that they may act thereon as they shall Judge proper. [284.] Voted that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P: M : 3 O'clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment. The Selectmen Reported on the Accompt of M^ Benjamin Fen- no Keeper of the Granary for the Year past which Accompt as entred on his Books, (and on file in the Town Clerks Office, was read — whereupon it was Voted, that the same bo accepted) and that M"^. Fenno be accouutable to the Town for 70 bushels of In- dian Meal and 242 bushells of Rye Meal amounting to £o6 ,, 12 ,, 10 and also for the Sum of £154 ,, 6 ,, 7J Cash now in his hands, exclusive of the Sum of £32,, 13 ,, 4 for his Salary and attend- ance as charged in his Accompt, which is hereby allowed him Co?l°. Joseph Jackson Esq. John Leveret Esq. M^ John Sweetser. were chose Purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing, and they are desired and impowered to give all needful direction to the Keeper of the Granary respecting the Quantity of Grain to be sold, and af- fixing the price thereof from time to time as occasion shall require ; and the said Committe are desired and directed to cause all the Grain belonging to the Town to be ground in the New Mills near the Mill Bridge now occupied by M''. George Leonard — — 44 City Document No. 91. The Town brouglit in their Votes for twelve Constables the Per- sons chose into that Office and sworu are Mess". Augustus Hail Elias Dnpee [385.] George Thomas Francis Salmon Peter Barbour Stephen Symms Hezekial Usher John Wells John Bennet Thomas Chapman Samuel Greanleaff liclward Blake The Petition of a large numbjr of the Inhabitants Setting forth *' that on account of the many fatal Accidents that happen by the explosion of Magazines of Powder in large and populous Citys, they apprehend their lives and properties in common with the rest of their Fellow Citizens ; to be ver}' insecure from the Powder house being situated where it now is, and therefore praying the Town to take the matter into Consideration and make such Ap- plication as they shall think effectual for its removal " was read and considered — whereupon the Question was put — Whether the Town will make Application for the removal of the Powder-house out of this Town to a place of greater safety — Passed in the Affermative. Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed a Com- mittee to prepare a Petition to the General Court praying the re- moval of the Powder House out ">f this Town, and to Report at the Adjournment Votes for a Count}' Register brought in and sealed up by Con- stable Dupee to whose care they are delivered to be returned to the Court of Sessions Votes for a County Treasurer brought in & sealed [386.] up Constable Dupee to whose care they are delivered to be returned to the Court of Sessions The Petition of a number of the Inhabitants " praying that the Watch may be replaced at or near the Fortification for reasons expressed m said l^etition Voted, that Benjamin Kent Esq. Richard Dana Esq. John Hill Esq. Belcher Noyes Esq. Melatiah Bourn Esq. be a Committee to take this Petition into Consideration & Report at the Adjournment Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Tuesday next 10. O'clock before Noon. Tuesday the 12. Day of March, 10 O'Clock Before Noon, met according to Adjournment The Moderator having read to the Town a Letter from the Boston Town Records, 1771. 45 Hon'''^, Joshua. Henshaw Esq. desiring that upon account of his ill state of health he might be excused from serving as a Selectmen, into which Office he had been again chosen — he was accordingly excused — And upon Motion Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereb_y are given to the Hou''''^. Joshua Henshaw Esq. for his faithful services as a Se- lectman iu Years past [287.] The Town proceeded to the choice of one Selectman in the room of Joshua Henshaw Esq. who had resigned, and the Votes being brought in and sorted it appeared that M^ Ebenezer Stcrer was chosen a Selectman for the Year ensuing The Selectmen were chose Surveyors of High ways for the Year ensuing Voted, that Nicholas Boylston Esq. Thomas Gray Esq. Ezel; or People, the Governor must excerciso the power committed to him not agreable to his discretion and the apparent interest of the Province but according to the Instructions received from a Min- ister three thousand miles distant — Instructions are urged in ex- cuse for almost everything of which we complain. By an Instruc- tion our Legislative Bodj^ are restrained from Meeting at their an- tient & established seat, contrary to their inclination so repeatedly declared to the Governor. By an Instruction our Fortress Castle William built and for a long time supported by the Province for its defence has been delivei-ed to Troops over whom the Captain General of the Province has declared he has no controul ; and who to appearance have taken more care to make it formadable to this Town, than to a Forrei :n Enemy — Under the Influence of an In- struction the Governor has refus'jdhis consent to a tax Bill forde- fi'eying the necessary Charges of Government because such Per- sons as the British Minister was pleased to point out, were not ex- pressly exempted from bearing their due proportion of said Tax. And what seems to compleat our misfortune is, that an Instruction is pleaded for refusing a Grant for the payment of our Agents at the Court of Great Britain. Thus we are to be cut off, even from complaint that last resource of the wretched. His Excellency is Instructed not to sign any grant for the payment of an Agent, unless he is chosen by the three branches of the Legislature, he cannot consent to any one who is proscribed in his Instructions. It is against an Admiuisti-ation in which Lord Hillshurrough & his Dependents are principal Actors that we complain [359.] But no one whom he disapproves must be allowed to manage our com- plaints. It is difficult to restrain our indignation at the gross af- front offered to our Understandings in this affair. A Capasity but little remote from Idiotism is sufficient to discover the fatal con- sequences of this Ministerial plot. The Town have in times past declared to their Representatives Boston Town Eecords, 1772. 85 their sense of the burthen laid upon the Commercial Interests of the Community by the extension of the powers of the Court of Admiralty. A Jurisdiction in its very nature repugnant to our Constitution & contrary to Magna Charta, as it invests one Judge appointed by the Crown with Authority to determine concerns the most important to the property and liberty of the Subject — And they expressed their sense of this Grievance as sharpned by the Contrast which appears in the same Statute between the Mother Countr}' & the Colonies — For however it may be urged that the Court of Admirality is established by the Charter of this Province yet by the same Charter the People of this Province are entitled to all the Liberties privileges & Immunities of free British Sub- jects — And to see the British Parliament by one and the same Statute, taking from the Colonies an important right namely Trials by Juries & securing that Right to themselves in cases of the same nature & importance must be deeply affecting to us. We take this opportunity of renewing our protestations against the powers of that Court which have already proved so vexatious to Persons concerned in trade ; and in a very recent Instance according to the best information we are able to obtain, have been mtide use of to disturb & harrass the industrious Farmer, & which if not restrained bid fair to render all property either Real or Personal to the last degree precarious — Thus Gentlemen have we exhibited to you a view of many of the Grievances which dis- tress this People : And we expect you will use your utmost Influ- ence in tlie ensuing Session of the General Court to have them radically redressed ; not doubting but you will receive the most ready and effectual assistance from those wise Patriots who are or shall be chosen [360.] To Represent our Brethren in the several Towns of this faithful Province — In particular we desire that you would use your influence that a Remonstrance be presented to his Majesty whose elevated station denominates him the Father of his People, and the tenor of whose Throne is the protection of his Subjects against the Oppressions which we suffer laying open to his view in the fullest and plainest manner the true state of this his Province of the Massachusetts Bay, & pleading vvith him with that freedom & firmness which the Justice of the cause & the exigences of your Country demand. And that you may not fail of reaching the Ro3-al Ear, we Instruct you to exert your- selves to procure a proper Grant from the House of Representa- tives for the payment of the Agents, who have served the Hon'''®, his Majestys Council & the Hon'*'". House of Representatives for some years past, & that you take timely care to know whether the same is concurred with and consented to by the other two Branches of the Legislature. And that if it is not, that you endeavor to obtain a Resolve of the House for a Brief for raising a Sum sufficient for defraying the charges of an Agency for the Year ensuing, that so we may at least in this way make use of our own Moneys to purchase an access to the Ear of our King. There are Gentlemen many other Matters of great Importance to the Province which will come before you ; & we are happy that we can with confidence commit our concerns to you Having that 80 City Document No. 91. by the favor of Divine Providence you will be greatly Instrumen- tal in restoring and securing both to us ifeour Posterity our violated Rights, thus only may we with reason expect to enjoy the in- valuable Blessings of Harmony & good G-overnment Ui)on a Motion made & Seconded. Voted, that the Committee appointed to prepare Instructions, for the Gentlemen who are chosen to Represent us in the General Assembly the ensuing Year be & hereby are desired to bring in an Article of Instructions relative the Appointment & [361.] Salaries of the Judges of the Superior Court Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3. O'Clock P: M : 3 O'clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment Voted, that the Sum of Six thousand five hundred Pounds be raised by a Tax upon Polls and Estates within this Town for Relief of tlie Poor and defreying other necessary charges arising within the Town the ensuing Year Upon a Motion made Voted, that John Rowe Esq. Jonathan Williams Esq. be added to the Committee appointed to Audit the Town Treasur- ers Accompts for the last Year in the room of Nicholas Boylston Esq. deceased, and M"". John Pitts who is out of the Provinces to Report at the Adjournment The Selectmen Appointed a Committee to view the Towns Lands the Neck &". Reported That having Attended their Duty they found that the Land has been so much wasted away by the Sea, as makes it absolutely necessary that the Dykes should be repaired in such a manner as may prevent the Pavement on the Neck from being destro3-ed, and the Neck itself from being so far carried away, as that in no distant period, this Town may become an Island. That they were not able at present to lay before the Town an Estimate of the Charge which will be necessarily incurred in effecting those Re- pairs, and therefore proposed to the Town that a large Commit- tee be appointed to view the Premisses & to consider of the best Method to secure the Neck, as also of the Sum which will be neces- sary for the purpose aforesaid, and to Report the same as soon as may be The above mentioned Report having been considered Voted [363.] That the same be accepted, and that the Gentlemen the Selectmen together with William Phillips Esq. John Rowe Esq. M^ William Dennie M--. Tuttle Hubbard M"". Robert Pierpoint M^ Samuel Swift M"". Nathaniel Appletoa John Tuder Esq. Mr. Thomas H. Peck M'. William Greanleaflf Boston Town Eecords, 1772. 87 ]Vr. John Sweetser Jonathan Williams Esq. ColP. John Hill M^ John Ballard be a Committee to view the Neck, and consider of the best Meth- od to secure the same as also of the Sum which will be necessary for this purpose ; and to Report as soon a -i may be Upon a Motion made & seconded Voted, that Benjamin Austin Esq. M''. William Cooper be added to the Committee on Instructions and that said Com- mittee be desired to Report at the Adjournment Upon a Motion made and seconded Voted, that there be so far a reconsideration of the Vote passed on the 5. of March last as that the Meeting to be called on the 5. of March ensuing be solely for the purpose of receiving the Report of the Committee appointed to procure an Orator to deliver an Oration on said Day, to perpetu- ate the Memory of the Boston Massacre — And that the Annual March Meeting, be appointed at the usual time, notwithstanding the Vote be referred to [363=] The Hon'''^ John Hancock Esq. having made a tender to the Town of a Fire-Engine, he had lately imported ; it was thought more respectful to that Gentleman, that the consideration of his offer should be referred to the Adjournment Voted, that th'S Meeting be Adjourned to Fryday next 3. O'clock P : M : and that the Town be Notified thereof in the sev- eral News Papers The Meeting was accordingly Adjourned Fryday May 22"^. 3. O'Clock P: M: Met according to Adjourn- ment The Committee appointed to examine the Accompts of M*". David Jeffries Town Treasurer — Report — That they have attended that service, & find the same right cast & well vouch'd in which he charges himself with Sundr}'' Fines, Rents & other Incomes of the Town, as also with the Tax of £8000 — all which amount to the Sum of £12287 ,, 13 ,, 2, including the balance of Old Ac- compts And the said Treasurer discharges himself by sundry Abate- ments made the Collectors amounting to £361 ,, 1 ,, 6, by Drafts made by the Selectmen amounting to £3249 ,, 12 ,, 11^ of which he has paid £2>^96 ,, 14 ,, 10| — And by Drafts made by the Overseers of the Poor, which contain the Charges of the Alms- house amounting to £3506 ,, 2 ,, 8. of which he has paid £2547,, 16 ,, 2. also by sundry Sums paid for Interest amounting to £216,, 14 ,, 6. the whole amounting to £7333 ,, 11 ,,7^ The said Committee have inspected said drafts in a very par- ticular manner, & have examined the Vouchers, produced by the Overseers of the Poor for the amount of their Drafts & every other branch of publick Charge amounting in all as above [364.] To £7333 ,, 11 ,, 7^ as by Account of Town Treasury in Town Treasury Books; Balance whereof being £4954 ,, 1 ,, 6| is carried to the Credit of New Account 88 City Document No. 91. t Which Eeport and Account being read Voted, that the same be and hereby is accepted The Committee appointed to prepare an Instruction to our Representatives respecting the Appointment & Salarys of the Judges of the Superior Court, having met upon the occasion now Report — That your Committee cannot Agree upon any set of Instructions, respecting this matter The above Report having been read, Voted, that the same be accepted A Motion was made that a new Committee be now appointed to prepiire an Instruction for our Representatives in General Assem- bly, relative to the Appointment and Salary of the Judges of the Superior Court ; and after long debate had ihereon the Motion did not obtain — It was then moved & seconded, that the further Consideration of this Matter be referred to the next Town Meet- ing — The Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affer- mative The Hon'''*. John Hancock Esq. haviaig made a tender to the Town of a new & finely constructed Engine for the extinguishing of Fires, provided they will direct the Gentlemen the Selectmen to appoint a suitable Company for the same, and allow the Men belonging thereto, the Exemptions & Privileges indulged the other Engine Men, — It is therefore Voted, that the Town do accept of the said generous present of M"". Hancock as a fresh mark of his Regard for the safety & welfare of the Town, and that the Selectmen be directed to appoint a suitable Number of Men [365=] For working said Engine at any Fires that may happen, with such a Master as M"". Hancock may be pleased to Nominate, and that said Company when appointed be and hereby are Excused & exempted from all such Duty, and entitled to all such privileges and Allowances as are the present Enginemen of this Town — and that said Engine be placed under proper cover, at or near Hancocks Wharff and in case of Fires, the Estate of the Donor shall have the preference of its service Voted unanimously that the Tiianks of the Town be and hereby are given to the Hon'''''. John Hancock Esq. or the above men- tioned generous Donation to this Town. Voted, that the Thanks of this Town be & hereby are given to the Hon''''' John Hancock Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for dispatching the business thereof Then the Meetins; was dissolved At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 28. Day of October Anno Domini, 1772 Warrant for callina; the Meeting ------- read [36G.] The Hon'''". John Hancock Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting, and took the Oath respecting his paying and re- ceiving Bills of Credit of the Neighbouring Governments as re- quired by an Act of this Province Boston Town Records, 1772. 89 The several Petitions relative to a Report, that Stipends are affixed by order of the Crown, to the Offices of the Judges of the Superior Court of Judicature of this Province & setting forih the dangerous consequences that must attend such an Establishment ; vrere read & debated, whereupon it was Moved and seconded — That a decent and respectful Application from this Meeting be made to his Excellency the Governor, acquainting him that the Town has been alarm'd with the Reports that Stipends are affixed to the Office of the Judges of the Superior Court of Judicature of this Province whereby they are rendred inlirely independent of the Grants and Acts of the General Assemblj' for their support which the Town is apprehensive will be attended with the most fatal consequences, and tlierefore humbly and earnestly to pray his Excellency, that he would be pleased to inform Ihem, whether his Excellency has received any advice relative to this matter in any way from whence he has reason to apprehend that such an Establishment has or will be made — And the Question being accordingly put, it passed in the Afferraative by a vast majority — also Voted, that M"". Samuel Adams D"" Joseph Warren D'. Benjamin Church be a Committee to draw up an Address to the Governor on the aforegoing Subject and to Report at the Adjournment Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3. O'Clock P: M: [367 . ] 3 O'clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment The Committee to prepare an Address to the Governor, Reported the following Draft Viz' May it please your Excellency The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of tho Town of Boston legally Assembled in Faneuil Hall, beg leave to acquaint your Excellences that a Report has prevailed, which they have reason to apprehend is well grounded, that Stipends are affixed to the Offices of the Judges of the Superior Court of Judicature of this Province whereby they are become Independents of the Grants of the General Assembly for their support ; contrary to antient and invariable usage this Report has spread an alarm among all con- siderate Persons, who have heard of it, in Town and Country ; being view'd as tending rapidly to compleat the System of their Slavery, which originated in the House of Commons of Great Britain assuming a power and authorit}^ to give and grant the Moneys of the Colonists without their consent, and against their re- peated Remonstrances. And as the Judges hold their places during pleasure, this Establishment appears big with fatal evils, so ob- vious that it is needless to trepass on your Excellencys time in mentioning them — It is therefore the humble and earnest request of the Town that your Excellency would be pleased to inform them, whether you have i-eceived any such advise relating to a matter so deeply interesting to the Inhabitants of this Province which gives you assurance that such an Establishment has been or is likely to be made — The aforegoing Report having been consid- ered, the Question was put — Whether the same shall be accepted, 90 City Document No. 91. ■n hich passed in the Affermative — Nem Con' also — Voted, that William Phillips Esq, The Hon"'" James Otis Esq. M''. Samuel Adams [368.] Deacon Timothy Newell D''. Benjamin Church D"". Joseph Warren ColP. Thomas Marshall be a Committee to present this Address to his Excellency Adjourned to Fryday the 30. Instant 10. O'Clock Bsfore Noon Fryday October 30. 10 O'Clock A : M : Met according to Adjourn- ment The Committee to present the Governor an Address Reported the following answer which his Excellency delivered to them in Writing — Viz* Gentlemen It is by no means proper for me tolaj' before the Inhab- itants of any Town whatsoever in consequence of their Votes and Proceedings in a Town Meeting any part of my Correspondence as Governor of this Province or to acquaint them whether I have or have not received any advice relating to\the public Affairs of the Government. This reason alone if your Address to me had been in otlier respects unexceptionable, would have been sufficient to restrain me from compl3"ing with your desire I shall always be ready to gratify the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston upon every regular Application to me on business of public concernment to the Town as far as I sliall have it in my power consistent with fidelity to the trust which his Majesty has reposed in me T: Hutchinson Tlie aforegoing answer, having been considered — [369 . ] It was moved and the Question put — Whether application shall be now made to his Excellency by the Town that he would be pleased to permit the General Assembl}^ to meet at the time to which they stand prorogued, which passed in the Affermative Nem ConK — It was then Voted, that The Hon'"^ James Otis Esq. M'. Samuel Adams The Hon'"^ Thomas Gushing Esq. be a Committee to prepare a Petition to his Excellency for the pur- , pose aforesaid The Petition of a number of the Inhabitants — " That another public School may be Established at the South part of the Town," was read, and after debate had thereon — the Question was put — Whether the Consideration of the same shall be referred to March Meeting — Passed in the Affermative The Committee appointed by the Town at a late Meeting to con- sider what was proper to be done to prevent the ruin of Beacon Hill, were desired to make Report as soon as may be Boston Town Records, 1772. Pi- voted, that the Town Clerk be directed to lay the Original Grant of Beacon Hill before the Town at their Adjourment Upon a Motion made— Voted, that the Selectmen be added to the Committee relative to Beacon Hill The Committee chosen to prepare a Petition to the Governor, relative to the Meeting of the General Court — Reported the following Draft — Viz'. The Petition of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston legally Assembled by Adjournment in Faneuil Hall on Fryday 30. of October 1772 - — [370.] Humbly Sheweth — - That your Petitioners are still greatly alarmed at the Report which has been prevalent of late Viz*. That Stipends are affixed to the Offices of the Judges of the Superior Court of Judicature of this Province by Order of the Crown for their support Such an Establisbment is contrary not only to the plain and obvious sense of the Charter of this Province but also some of the fundamental Principles of the Common Law. to the benefit of which all British Subjects, wherever dispersed throughout the British Empire are indubitably entitled Such a Jealousy have the Subjects in England for their Rights Liberties & Privileges, and so tender a regard has been shown them by his Majestys that notwithstanding the provision made at the Revolution that the Judges of the Kings Superior Court of Law there should hold their Commissions not at pleasure but during good behavior, and since that time for their support. His Majesty among other the first Acts of this Reign, was graciously pleased to recommend it to Parliment and an Act passed thnt their Com- missions should not cease at the Demise of ths King, whereby every thing possible in human wisdom seems to have been done to es- tablish an impartiality in their decisions not only between Subject & Subject, but between the Crown and the Subject — of how much greater importance must it be to preserve from the least sup- poseable byas — the Judges of a Court, invested by the Laws of this Province which have been approved of by Majesty, with Pow- ers " as fully & amply to all intents and purposes whatsoever as the Court of Kings Bench, Common Pleas and Exchequer within his Majestys Kingdom of England have or ought to have " Your Excellenc}' will allow your Petitioners with [371.] Due Submission to repeat that the establishment appears to them preg- nant with such fatal Evils as that the most distant thoughts of its taking effect fills their minds with dread and horror These Sir are the sentiments and apprehensions of this Metrop- olis expressed however with due defference to the Sentiments of the Province with which your Petitioners are anxiously solicitous of being made acquainted It is therefore their earnest and humble request that your Ex- cellency would be pleased to allow the General Assembly to meet at the time to which they now stand prorogued ; in order that in that Constitutional Body, with whom it is to enquire into Grieve- anees and Redress them, the Joint Wisdom of the Province may be employed, in deliberating and determining on a matter so im- portant and alarming 92 City Document No. 91. The Town having considered the foregoing Draft of a Petition to Grovernor Hutchinson — It was Voted, that the same be ac- cepted, Nem Gon^. also Voted, that William Phillips Esq. The Hon'*'^. James Otis Esq. W. Samuel Adams M^ Timothy Newell D^ Benjamin Church D"". Joseph Warren Coll". Thomas Marshall be a Coraflilttee to present the Petition to his Excellency ■ Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday next 3. O'clock P : M : Monday November 2^ 3. O'Clock P : M : Met According to Ad- journment The Committee appointed to present a Petition [373.] To His Excellency the Governor of this Province, Reported and laid before the Town the following Reph' which his Excellency had been pleased to deliver them in writing — Viz' Gentlemen The Royal Charter reserves to the Governor full power and authority from time to time, as he shall Judge necessary to Ad- journ prorogue and dissolve the General Assembly In the exercise of this Power both as to time and place I have always been governed by a regard to his Majestys Service and to the interest of the Province It did not appear to me necessary for those purposes that the Assembly should meet at the time to which it now stands pro- rogued, and before I was informed of your Address, I had deter- mined to prorogue it to a further time The Reasons 'which you have advanced have not altered my Opinion. If not withstanding in complyance with your Petition I should alter my determination and meet the Assembly, contrary to my own Judgement at such time as you Judge necessary, I should in effect yield to you the exercise of that part of the prerog- ative and should be unable to Justify my conduct to the King — There would moreover be danger of encouraging the Inhabitants of the other Towns in the Province to Assemble from time to time in order to consider of the necessity or expediency of a Session of the General Assembly or to debate «fe transact other matters which the Law that authorises Towns to Assemble, does not make the business of a Town Meeting T. Hutchinson The foregoing Reply having been read several times and duly considered ; it was moved & the Question accordingly put Whether the same be satisfactory to the Town ; which passed in the Negative iVem; Con'. And tliereupon [373.] Resolved as the Opinion of the Inhabitants of this Town that they have ever had, and ought to have a right to Peti- tion the King or his Representatives for the Redress of such Grievances as they feel or for preventing of such as they have Boston Town Records, 1772. 93 reason to apprehend, and to communicate their Sentiment to other Towns It was then moved by M"" Samuel Adams, That a Committee of Correspondence be appointed to consist of twent}' one Persons — to state the Rights of the Colonists and of this Province in partic- ular, as Men, as Christians, and as Subjects ; to communicate and publish the same to the several Towns in this Province and to the World as the sense of this Town, with the Infringements and Violations thereof that have been, or from time to time may be made — Also requesting of each Town a free communication of their Sentiments on this Subject — And the Question being accord- ingly put — Passed in the Affermative. Nem. ConK — Also Voted, that, The Hon*''" James Otis Esq. lyp. Samuel Adams D''. Joseph Warren D"". Benjamin Church M^ William Dennie M'. William Greanleaff Joseph Greanleaff Esq. s D'. Thomas Young M^ William Powell M'. Nathaniel Appleton M'. Oliver Wendell M'. John Sweetser Joetah Quincy Esq. Cap*. John Bradford Richard Boyiiton Esq. Cap'. William Mackay Maj"". Nathaniel Barber Heacon Caleb Davis [374.] M^ Alexander Hill M"". William Mollineaux M^ Robert Pierpont be and hereby are appointed a Committee for the purpose afore- said, and that they be desired to Report to the Town as soon as may be Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to the Hon'''^ John Hancock Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for dispatching the Business thereof Then the Meeting was dissolved At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in Public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Fryday the 20. Day of November Anno Domini 1772. 10 O'Clock. A : M : Warrant for calling the Meeting -----, -read The Hon**'". John Hancock Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting, and took the Oath respecting his paying & receiving Bills of Credit of the Neighbouring Governments as reqmred by an Act of this Province 94 City Document No. 91. The Committee appointed to state the Rights of the [375.] Col- onists and of this Province in particular, with the Infringements and violations thereof &". &*". Reported, and the same having been twice read and considered distinctly — The P' part of said Re- port — viz'. The state of the Rightu of the Colottisls, was put and ac- cepted — iVem. Cow'. The 2* part of the Report, viz'. The Enu- meration of the Violations of our Rights, was referred to the Committee for some Additions relative to the Lieuetenant Gov- ernor, Attorney General & Soliciter Generals Salaries, and to the Fees of the Custom-house, and they were desired to report again Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 4. O'Clock P : M : 3 O'clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment The Cmnmittee appointed to Enumerate the Violations of our Rights — Reported again with the Amendments & Additions or- dered by the Town in the Forenoon, and the same having been read and considered, was accepted by the Town Nem Con"^ The 3"^ part of the Report of said Committee — viz'. — A Letter of Correspoyidence to the other Towns, was again read, and having been duly considered, was accepted to be sent to the other Towns. Nem Con' Upon a Motion made Voted, that the foregoing Proceedings be printed and that the Committee of Correspondence be desired to dispose of Six hundred of the printed Pamphlets amoug the Select- men of the several Towns, and such other Gentlemen as the Com- mittee shall think fit On a Motion made, Voted, that the Town Clerk be and hereby is directed to Attest, the State of Rights, and the Enumeration [376.] Of the Violations thereof; as has been accepted by the Toven It was then moved and obtained, that the Town Clerk be directed to sign the aforementioned Letter of Correspondence and forward as many of the same to the Selectmen of each Town, as the Com- mittee shall think proper and direct Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to the Hon"^'". John Hancock Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for dispatching the Business thereof Then the Meeting was dissolved. The Votes and Proceedings of the Town attheir late Meeting the 20. November 1772 were by Order of the Town, published in a Pamphlet, one of which was sent to each Town in the Province, and the same as accepted by said Meeting, is as follows Viz' — — The Committee appointed by the Town the second Instant "to State the Rights of the Colonists and of this Province in particular, as Men, as Christians, and as Subjects ; to communicate and pub- lish the same to the several Towns in this Province and to the World as the sense of this Town with the Infringements and Vio- liitions thereof that have been, or from Time to Time may be made. Also requesting of each Town a free Communication of their Sen- timents Reported Boston Town Records, 1772. 95 [377.] Firsts a State of the Rights oi the Colonists and of - - - - this Province in particular Secondly^ A List of the Infringements, and Violations of those - - - - Rights. TVwVdZy, A Letter of Correspondence with the ------ other Towns. P'. Natural Rights of the Colonists as Men. Among the natural Rights of the Colonists are these First, a Right to Life; Secondly to Liberty ; thirdly to Property ; together with the Right to support and defend them in the best miinnerthey can — Tliose are evident Branches of, rather than deductions from the Duty of Self Preservation, commonly called the first Law of Nature All Men have a Right to remain in a State of Nature as long as they please : And in case of intoUerable Oppression, Civil or Religious, to leave the Society they belong to, and enter into another. When Men enter into Society, it is by voluntary consent ; and they have a right to demand and insist upon the performance of such conditions, And previous limitations as form an equitable original compact. Every natural Right not expressly given up or from the nature of a Social Compact necessarily ceded remains. All positive and civil laws, should conform as far as possible, to the Law of natural reason and equity. As neither reason requires, nor religeon permits the contrary, every Man living in or out of a state of civil society, has a right peaceably and quietly to worship God according to the dictates of his conscience. •'.Just and true liberty, equal and impartial liberty" in matters spiritual and temporal, is a thing that all Men are clearly entitled to, by the eternal and immutable laws [378.] Of God and nature, as well as by the law of Nations, & all well grounded municipal laws, which must have their foundation in the former. In regard to Religeon, mutual tolleration in the different pro- fessions thereof, is what all good and candid minds in all ages have ever practiced ; and both by precept and example inculcated on mankind : And it is now generally agreed among christians that this spirit of toleration in the fullest extent consistent with the being of civil society " is the chief characteristical mark of the true church" & In so much that M"^, Lock has asserted, and proved be3'ond the possibility of contradiction on any solid ground, that such toleration ought to be extended to all whose doctrines are not sul)versive of society. The only Sects which he thinks ought to be, and which by all wise laws are excluded from such toleration, are those who teach Doctrines subversive of the Civil Government under which they live. The Roman Catholicks or Papists are excluded by reason of such Doctrines as these " that Princes excommunicated may be deposed, and those they call HereticJcs may be destroyed without mercy ; besides their recogniz- ing the Pope in so absolute a manner, in subversion of Govern- ment, by introducing as far as possible into the states, under 96 City Document No. 91. whose protection they enjo_y life, liberty and property, that sole- cism in politicks, Imperium in impeiio* leading directly to the worst anarchy and confusion, civil discord, war and blood shed The natural liberty of Men by entring into society is abridg'd or restrained so far (>nl3' as is necessary for the ISee Locks Letters on Toleration [379.] Great end of Society the best good of the whole In the state of nature, every man is under God, Judge and sole Judge, of his own rights and the injuries done him : By entering into society, he agrees to an Arbiter or indifferent Judge between him and his neighbours ; but he no more renounces his original right, than by taking a cause out of the ordinary course of law, and leaving the decision to Referees or indifferent Arbitrations. In the last case he must pay the Referees for time and trouble ; he should be also willing to pay his Just quota for the support of government, the law and constitution ; the end of which is to fur- nish indifferent and impartial Judges in all cases that may happen, whether civil ecclesiastical, marine or military. "The natural liberty of man is to be free from any supe- rior power on earth, and not to be under the will or legislative authority of man ; but only to have the law of nature for his rule." In the state of nature men may as the PatriarcJis did, emploj' hired servants for the defence of their lives, liberty and property : ' and they should pay them reasonable wages. Government was instituted for the purposes of common defence ; and those who hold the reins of government have an equitable natural right to an honourable support from the same principle " that the labourer is worthy of his hire " but then the same community which they serve, ought to be assessors of their pay : Governors have no right to seek what they please ; by this, instead of being content with the station assigned them, that of honourable servants of the society, they would soon become [380.] Absolute masters, Des- pots, and Tyrants. Hence as a private man has a right to say, what wages he will give in his private affairs, so has a Commu- nity to determine what they will give and grant of their Sulistance, for the Administration of publick affairs. And in both cases more are ready generally to offer their Service at the proposed and stipulated price, than are able and willing to perform their duty. In short it is the greatest absurdity to suppose it in the power of one or any number of men at the entering into societ}-, to re- nounce their essential natural rights, or the means of preserving those rights when the great end of civil government from the very nature of its institution is for the support, protection and defence of these very rights : the principal of which as is before observed, are life liberty and property. If men through fear, fraud or mis- take, should in terms renounce & give up any essential natural right, the eternal law of reason and the great end of society, would absolutely vacate such renunciation ; the right to freedom being tJie g'ft of God Almighty, it is not in the power of Man to alienate this gift, and voluntarily become a slave * A Government within a Government ^^ Boston Town Records, 1772. 97 The TiigJits of the Colonists as Christians These maybe best understood by reading — and carefully study- ing the institutes of the great Lawgiver and head of the Christian Church : which are to be found closely wiitten and promulgated in the Neiu Testameyit By the Act of the British Parliament commonly called the Toleration Act, every Subject in England [381.] Except Papists «fe° was restored to, and re-established in, his natu- ral right to worship God according to the dictates of his own con- science. Aid by the Charter of this Province it is granted or- dained and established that it is declared as an original right) that there shall be liberty of conscience allowed in the worship of God, to all christians except Papists, inhabiting or which shall inhabit or be resident within said Province or Teritory. *Magna Charta itself is in substance but a constrained Declaration, or proclama- tion, and promulgation in the name of King, Lord, and Com- mons of the sense the latter had of their original inherent, indefeazible natural Rights,! ^s also those of free Citi- zens equally perdurable with the other. That great author that great jurist, and even that Court writer IVP. Justice Blackstone ^lolds that this recognition was justly obtained of King John sword in hand : and peradventure it must be one day sword in hand again rescued and preserved from total destruction and ob- livion. 3*^. The Rights of the Colonists as Suhjects A Common Wealth or state is a body politick or civil society of men, united together to promote their mutual safety and prosper- ity, by means of their union J The absolute Rights of Englishmen, and all freemen in or out of Civil society, are principally, personal security personal liberty and private property. All Persons born in the British American Colonies are by the laws of God and nature, and by the Common law of England, ex- clusive of all charters from the Crown^meW [383.] Entitled, and by Acts of the British Parliament are declared to be entitled to all the natural essential, inherent & in- seperable Rights Liberties and Privileges of Subjects born in Great Britain, or within the Realm. Among those Rights are the following; which no men or body of men, cons,istently with theii' own lights as men and citizens or members of society, can for themselves give up, or take away from others First, "The first fundamental positive law of all Common- wealths or States, is the establishing the legislative power ; as the first fundamental natural law also, which is to govern even the legislative power itself, is the preservation of the Society." § Secondly^ The Legislative has no right to absolute arbitrary power over the lives and fortunes of the people : Nor can mortals * See 1. Wm. and Mary. St. 2. C. 18 — and Massachusetts CViarter. t Lord Cokes Im. Blackstone, Commenta'-ies — Vol. 1". Page 122. X See Lock and Vatel § Locke on Government. Salus Populi Suprema Lex esto 98 City Document No. 91. , assume a prerogative, not only too high for men, but for Angels ; and therefore reserved for the exercise of the Deity alone. " The Legislative cannot Justly a:isume to itself a power to rule by extempore arbitrary decrees ; but it is bound to see that Jus- tice is dispensed, and that the rights of the subjects be decided, by promulgated, standing and known laws, and authorized inde- pendent Judges;" that is independent as far as possible of Prince or People. " There shall he one rule of Justice for rich and poor ; for the favorite in Courts and the Countryman at the Plough "* Thirdly^ The supreme power cannot Justly take from any man, any part of his property without his consent, in person or by his Representative. These are some of the fii'st principles of natural law & Justice, and the great Barriers of all free states, and of the British [383.] Constitution in particular. It is utterly irreconcile- able to these principles, and to many other fundamental maxims of the common law, common sense and reason, that a British house of commons, should have a right, at pleasure, to give and grant the property of the Colonists. That these Colonists are well entitled to all the essential rights, liberties and privileges of men and freemen, born in Britain, is manifest, not only from the Col- ony charter, in general, but acts of the British Parliament. The statute of the 13"^ of George 2. c 7. naturalizes even foreigners after seven years residence. The words of the Massachusetts Charter are there, "And further our will and pleasure is, and we do hereby for us, our heirs and successors, grant establish and ordain, that all and every of the subjects of us, our heirs and suc- cessors, which shall go to and inhabit within our said province or territory and every of their children which shall happen to be born there, or on the seas in going thither, or returning from thence shall have and enjoy, all liberties and immunities of free and natuial subjects within any of the dominions of us, our heirs and successors, to all intents constructions & purposes whatsoever as if they and every of them were born within this our Realm of England." Now what liberty can there be, where property is taken away without consent? Can it be said with any colour of truth and Justice, that this Continent of three thousand miles in length, and of a breadth as yet unexplored, in which however, its sup- posed, there are five millions of people, has the least voice, vote or influence in the decisions of the British Parliament? Have they, all together, any more right or power to return a single number to that house of commons, who have not inadvertently, but delib- erately assumed a power to dispose of their lives, f Liberties and properties, then to dioose an [384.] Emperor of China ! Had the Colonists a right to re- turn members to the british parliament, it would only be hurtfu'l ; as from their local situation and circumstances it is impossible they should be ever truly and properly rei)resented there. The inhabitants of this country in all probability in a few years will be more numex'ous, than those of Great Britain and Ireland together; * Locke t See the Act of the last Session, relating to the Kings Dock Yards — — Boston Town Records, 1772. 99 yet it is absurdl}' expecterl by the promoters of the present meas- ures, that these, witli their posterity to all generations, should be easy while their property, shall be disposed of by a house of commons at three thousand miles distant from them ; and who cannot be supposed to have the least care or concern for their real interest : Who have not only no natural care for their interest, but must be in effect bribed against it ; as every burden they lay on the colonists is so much saved or gained to themselves. Hitherto many of the Colonists have been free from Quit Rents ; but if the breath of a british house of commons can originate an act for taking away all our money, our lands will go next or be subject to rack rents from haughty and relentless landlords who will ride at ease, while ■we are trodden in the dirt. The Colonists have been branded with the odious names of traitors and rebels, only for complaining of their grievances ; How long such treatment will, or ought to born is submitted. A List of Infringements & Violations of Rights We cannot help thinking, that an enumeration of some of the most open infringments of our rights, will by every candid Person be Judged sufficient to Justify whatever measures have been already taken, or may be thought proper to be taken, in order to obtain a redress of the Grievances under which we labour. Among many others we [385.] Humbly conceive, that the following will not fail to excite the attention of all who consider themselves interested in the happiness and freedom of mankind in general, and of this continent and province in particular. 1^' The British Parliament have assumed the power of legisla- tion for the Colonists in all cases whatsoever, without obtaining the consent of the Inhabitants, which is ever essentially necessary to the right establishment of such a legislative 2*^ They have exerted that assumed power, in raising a Revenue in the Colonies without their consent ; thereby depriving them of that right which every man has to keep his own earnings in his own hands untill he shall in person, or by his Representative, think fit to part with the whole or any portion of it. This infringement is the more extraordinary, when we consider the laudable care which the British House of Commons have taken to reserve intirely and absolutely to themselves the powers of giving and granting moneys. They not only insist on originating every money bill in their own house, but will not even allow the House of Lords to make an amendment in these bills So tenacious are they of this privilege, so jealous of any infringement of the sole & absolute right the people have to dispose of their own money. And what renders this infringement the more grievous is, that what of our earnings still remains in our own haaids is in a great measure deprived of its value, so long as the British Parliament continue to claim and exercise this power of taxing us ; for we cannot Justly call that our property which others may, when they please take away from us against our will. 100 City Document No. 91. t In this respect we are treated with less decency and regard than the Romans shewed even to the Provinces which [386.] Tliey had conquered. They only determined upon the sum wliieh each should furnish, and left every Province to raise it in the manner most easy and convenient to themselves 3*^ A number of new Officers, unknown in the Charter of this Province, have been appointed to superintend this Revenue, whereas by our Charter the Great & General Court or Assembly of this Province has the sole right of appointing all civil officers, ex- cepting only such officers, the election and constitution of whom is in said charter expressly excepted ; among whom these Officers are not included. 4''' These Officers are by their Commission invested with powers altogether unconstitutional, and entirely' destructive to that security whicii we have a right to enjoy ; and to the last degree dangerous, not only to our property ; but to our lives : For the Commissioners of his Mfijestys customs in America, or any three of them, are by their Commission impowered, "by writing under their hands and scales to constitute and appoint inferior Officers in all and singular the Port within the limits of their commissions " Each of these petty officers so made is intrusted with power more absolute and arbitrary than ought to be lodged in tlie hands of any man or body of men whatsoever ; for in the commission aforementioned, his Majesty gives & grants unto his said Commissioners, or any three of them, and to all and every the Collectors Deputy Collectors, Ministers, Servants, and all other Officers serving and attending in all and every the Ports and other places within the limits of their Commission, full power and authority from time to time, at their and any of their wills and pleasures, as well [387.] By Night as by day to enter and goon board any Ship, Boat, or other Vessel, riding lying or being within, or coming into any Port, Harbour, Creek or Haven, within the limits of their commission ; and also in the day time to go into an^' house, shop, cellar, or any other place, where any goods wares or merchandizes lie concealed, or ai'e suspected to lie concealed, whereof the customs &, other duties, have not been, or shall not be, duly paid and truly satisfied, answered or paid unto the Collectors, Deputy Collectors, Ministers, Servants, and other Officeis respectively, or otherwise agreed for; and the said house, shop, warehouse, cellar, and other place to search and survey, and all and every the boxes, trunks, chests and packs then and there found to break open." Thus our houses and even our bed chambers, are exposed to be ransacked, our boxes chests & trunks broke open ravaged and plundered by wretches, whom no prudent man would venture to employ even as menial servants ; whenever they are pleased to say they suspect thei'e are in the house wares &° for which the dutys have not been paid Flagrant instances of the wanton exercise of this power, have frequently happened in this and other sea port Towns. By this we are cut oif from that domestick security which renders the lives of the most unhappy in some measure agreable. Those Officers may under colour of law and the cloak of a general warrant, break thro' the sacred rights of the DornioU^ ransack Boston Town Records, 1772. 101 mens houses, destroy their securities, carry off their property, and with little danger to themselves commit the most horred mur- ders. And we complain of it as a further grievance, that notwith- standing by the Charter of this Province, the Governor aud the Great aud General Court or Assembly of this [388.] Province or Territory, for the time being shall have full power and author- ity, from time to time, to make, ordain and establish all manner of wholesome and reasonable laws, orders, statutes, and ordinances, directions and instructions, and that if the same shall not within the term of three years after presenting the same to his Majesty in privy council be disallowed, they shall be and continue in full force and effect, untill the same shall be repealed by the Great aud General Assembly of this Province : Yet the Parliament of Great Britain have rendered or attempted to render, null and void a law of this Province made aud passed in the Reign of his late Majesty George the first, intitled " An Act stating the Fees of the Custom-house Officers within this Province" and by meer dint of power, in violation of the Charter aforesaid, established other and exorbitant fees, for the same Officers ; any law of the Prov- ince to the contrary notwithstanding. o*. Fleets and Armies have been introduced to support these unconstitutional Officers in collecting and managing this unconsti- tutional Revenue ; and troops have been quarter'd in this Metrop- olis for that purpose. Introducing and quartering standing Armies in a free Country in times of peace without the consent of the people either by themiselves or by their Repi-esentatives, is, and always has been deemed a violation of their rights as free- men ; and of the Charter or Compact made between the King of Great Britain, and the People of this Province, whereby all the rights of British Subjects are confirmed to us. 6"*. The Revenue arising from this tax unconstitutionally laid, and committed to the management of persons arbitrarily appointed and supported by an armed force quartered in a free [389.] City, has been in part applyed to the most destructive purposes. It is absolutely necessary in a mixt government like that of this Province, that a due proportion or balance of power should be established among the several branches of legislative. Oiu" An- cestors received from King William & Queen Mary a Charter by which it was understood by botli parties in the contract, tliat such a proportion or balance was fixed ; and therefore every thing which renders any one branch of the Legislative more indepen- dent of the other two than it was originally designed, is an altera- tion of the constitution as settled by the Charter ; and as it has been untill the establishment of this Revenue, the constant prac- tise of the General Assembly to provide for the support of Gov- ernment, so it is an essential part of our constitution, as it is a necessary means of preserving an equilibrium, without which we cannot continue a free state. • In particular it has always been held, that the dependence of the Governor of this Province upon the General Assembly for his support, was necessary for the preservation of this equilibrium ; 102 City Document No. 91. nevertheless his Majesty has been pleased to apply fifteen hun- dred pounds sterling annually out of the American revenue, for the support of the Governor of this Province independent of the Assembly, whereby the ancient connection between him and this people is weakened, the confidence in the Governor lessened and the equilibrium destroyed, and the constitution essentially al- tered. And we look upon it highly probable from the best intelligence we have been able to obtain, that not only our Governor and Lieuvetenant Governor, but the Judges of the Superior Court of Judicature, as also the Kings Attorney and Solicitor General are to receive their support from this [390.] Grievous tribute. This will if accomplished compleat our slavery. For if taxes are raised from us by the Parliament of Great Britain without our consent, and the men on whose opinions and decisions our proper- ties liberties and lives, in a great measure depend, receive their support from the Revenues arising from these taxes, we cannot, when we think on the depravity of mankind, avoid looking with horror on the danger to wlaich we are exposed ? The British Par- liament have shewn their wisdom in making the Judges there as independent as possible both on the Prince and People, both for place and support : But our Judges hold their Commissions only during pleasure ; the granting them salaries out of this Revenue is rendering them independent on the Crown for their support. The King upon liis first accession to the Throne, for giving the last hand to the independency of the Judges in England, not only upon himself but his Successors by recommending and consenting to an act of Parliament, by which the Judges are continued in office, notwithstanding the demise of a King, which vacates all other Commissions, was applauded by the whole Nation. How alarming must it then be to the Inhabitants of this Province, to find so wide a difference made between the Subjects in Britain and America, as the rendering the Judges here altogether dependent on the Crown for their support. 7"^. We find ourselves greatly oppressed by Instructions sent to our Governor from the Court of Great Britain, whereby the first branch of our legislature is made merely a ministerial engine. And the Province has already felt such effects from these Instruc- tions, as [391o] We think Justly intitle us to say that they tln'eaten an entire destruction of our liberties, and must soon, if not checked, render ever}- branch of our Government a useless burthen upon the people. We shall point out some of the alarming effects of these- Instructions which have already taken place. In consequence of Instructions, the Governor has called and ad- journed our General Assemblies to a place highly inconvenient to the Members and grately disadvantageous to the interest of the Province, even against his own declared intention In consequence of Instructions, the Assembly has been pro- rogued from time to time, when the important concerns of the Province required their Meeting In obedience to Instructions, the General Assembly was Anno Boston Town Records, 1772. 103 1768 dissolved by Governor Bernard, because they would not con- sent to rescind the resolution of a, former house, and thereby sac- rifise the rights of their constituents. By an Instruction, the honourable his Majesty Council are forbid to meet and transact matters of publick concern as a Council of advice to the Governor, unless called by the Governor ; and if they should from a zealous regard to the interest of the Province so meet at any time, the Governor is ordered to negative them at the next Election of Councellors. And although by the Charter of this Province the Great & General Court have full power and authority to impose taxes upon the estates and persons of all and ever}^ the proprietors and inhabitants of this Province, yet the Governor has been forbidden to give his consent to act imposing a tax for the necessary support of govei'nment, unless such persons as were pointed out [393.] In the said instruction, were ex- empted from paying their Just proportion of said tax His Excellency has also pleaded Instructions for giving up the provincial fortress. Castle William into the hands of troops, over whom he had declared he had no controul (and that at a time when they were menaceing the Slaughter of the Inhabitants of the Town, and our Streets were stained with the blood which they had barbariously shed) Thus our Governor, appointed and paid from Great Britain with money forced from us, is made an instrament of totally preventing or at least of rendering, every attem.pt of the other two branches of the Legislative in favor of a distressed and wronged people : And least the complaints naturally occa- sioned by such oppression should excite compassion in the Royal breast, and induce his Majesty seriously to set about relieving us from the cruel bondage and insults which vsrc his loyal Subjects have so long suffered, the Governor is forbidden to consent to the payment of an Agent to represent our grievances at the Court of Great Britain, unless he the Governor consent to his election, and we very well knew what the man must bs to whose appointment a Governor in such circumstances will consent While we are mentioning the infringement of the rights of this Colony in particular by means of Instructions, we cannot help calling to remembrance the late unexampled suspension of the legislative of a Sister Colony, New York by force of an Instruc- tion, untill they sliould comply with an Arbitrary Act of the [393.] British Parliament for quartering troops, designed by military execution, to enforce the raising of a tribute. 8"". The extending the power of the Courts of Vice Admiral- ity to so enormous a degree as deprives the people in the Colonies in a great measure of their inestimable right to tryals by Juries : which has ever been Jus.ly considered as the grand Bulwark and security of English property. This alone is sufficient to rouse our jealousy : And we are again obliged to take notice of the remarkable contrast, which the Brit- ish Parliament have been pleased to exhibit between the Subjects in Great Britain & the Colonies. In the same Statute, by which they give up to the decision of one dependent interested Judge of Adrairality the estates and properties of the Colonists, they ex- 104 City Document No. 91. > pressl}' guard the estates & properties of the people of Great Brit- ain ; for all forfeitures & penalties inflicted by the Statute of George the Third, or any other Act of Parliament relative to the trade of the Colonies, may be sued for in any Court of Admiralty in the Colonies ; but all penalties and forfeitures which shall be incurred in great Britain, may be sued for in any of his Majestys Courts of Record in Westminster or in the Court of Exchequer in Scotland, respectively. Thus our Birth Rights are taken from us ; and that too with every mark of indignity, insult and con- tempt. We may be harrassed and dragged from one part of the Continent to the other (which some of our Brethren here and in the Country Towns already have been) and finally be deprived of our whole property, by the arbitrary determination of one biassed, capricious Judge of the Admirality. 9"^. The restraining us from erecting Stilling Mills for manu- facturing our Iron the natural produce of this Country, [394.] Is an infringement of that right with which God and nature have invested us, to make use of our skill and industry in procuring the necessaries and conveniences of life. And we look upon the re- straint laid upon the manufacture and transportation of Hatts to be altogether unreasonable and grievous. Although by the Charter all Havens Rivers, Ports, Waters &" are expressly granted the In- habitants of the Province and their Successors, to their only proper use and behoof forever, yet the British Parliament passed an Act, whereby they restrain us from carrying our Wool, the pro- duce of our own farms, even over a ferry ; whereby the Inhabi- tants have often been put to the expence of carrying a^ Bag of Wool near an hundred miles by land, when passing over a River or Water of one quarter of a mile, of which the Province are the absolute Proprietors, would have prevented all that trouble. 10"^. The Act passed in the last Session of the British Parlia- ment, intitled. An Act for tli". belter preserving his Majestys Dock Yards, Magizines, iShip-i, Ammuni! ion and Stores^ is, as we appre- hend a violent infringement of our Rights. By this Act any one of us may be taken from his Family, and carried to any part of Great Brit- ain, there to be tried whenever it shall be pretended that he has been concerned in burning or otherwise destroying any Boat or Vessel, or any Materials for building &''. any Naval or Victualling Store &•=. belonging to his Majesty. For by this Act all Persons in the Realm, or in any of the places thereto belonging (under which de- nomination we know the Cohmies are meant to be included) may be indicted and tryed either in any County or Shire within this Realm, in like manner and form as if the offence had been com- mitted in said County, as his Majesty and his Successors may deem [395.] Most expedient. Thus we are not only de[)rived of our grand right to Iryai by our Peers in the Vicinity, but any Per- son suspected, or pretended to be suspected, may be hurried to Great Britain, to take his tryal in any County the King or his Suc- cessors shall please to direct ; where, innocent or guilty he is in great danger of being condemned ; and vrhether condemned or ac- quitted he will probably be ruined by the expense attending the tryal, and his long absence from his Family and business ; and we Boston Town Records, 1772. 105 have the strongest reason to apprehend that we shall soon experi- ence the fatal effects of this Act, as about the 3'^ear 1769 the Brit- ish Parliament passed Resolves for taking up a number of Persons in the Colonies and carrying them to Great Britain for trya!, pre- tending that they were authorised so to do, by a Statute passed in the Reign of Henry the Eighth, in which they say the Colonies were included, although the Act was passed long before any Colo- nies were settled, or even in contemplation. 11"\ As our Ancestors came over to this Country that they might not only enjoy tlioir civil but their religeous rights, and par- ticularly desired to be free from the Prelates, who in those times cruill}' persecuted all who differed in sentiment from the established Church ; we cannot see without concern the various attempts, which have been made aad are now making, to establish an Ameri- can Episcopate. Our Episcopal Brethren of the Colonies do en- joy, and rightfully ought ever to enjoy, the free exercise of their religeon, we cannot help fearing that they who are so warmly con- tending for such an establishment, have views altogether inconsist- ent with the universal and peaceful enjoyment of our christian privileges : And doing or attempting to do any thing which has even tlie remotest tendency to endanger this enjoyment, is Justly looked upon a great grievance, and also an infringement of our [3D6.] Rights, which is not barely to exercise, but peaceably & securely to enjoy, that liberty wherewith Christ has made us free. And we are further of Oi)inion, that no power on Earth can justly give either temporal or spiritual Jurisdiction within this Province, except the Great & General Court. We think therefore that every design for establishing the Jurisdiction of a Bishop in this Province, is a design both against our Civil and Religeous rights : And we are well informed, that the more candid and Judicious of our Brethren of the Church of England in this and the other Colonies, both Clergy and Laity, conceive of the estab- lishing an American P^piscopate both unnecessary and unreason- able. 12* Another Grievance under which we labour is the frequent alteration of the bounds of the Colonies by decisions before the King and Council, explanatory of former grants and Charters. This not only subjects Men to live under a constitution to which they have nut consented, which in itself is a great Grievance ; but moreover under color, that the right of Soil is affected by such declarations, some Governors, or Ministers, or both in conjunc- tion, have pretended to Grant in consequence of a Mandamus many thousands of Acres of Lands appropriated near a Century past ; and rendered valuable by the labours of the present Cultiva- tors and their Ancestors. There are very notable instances of Setlers, who having first purchased the Soil of the Natives, have at consid- erable expence obtained confermation of title from this Province ; and on being transferred to the Jurisdiction of the Province of New Hampshire have been put to the ti-ouble and cost of a new Grant or confermation from thence ; and after all this there has been a third declaration of Royal Will, that they should thence forth be 106 City Document No. 91. considered as pertaining [397.] To the Province of New YorTc. Tlie troubles, espences and dangers which hundreds have been put to on such occasions, cannot here be recited ; but so much may be said, that they have been most cruelly harrassed, and even threat- ned with a militar}' force, to dragoon them into a compliance, with the most unreasonable demands. , A Letter of Correspondence to the other Towns. Boston November 20 : 1772 Gentlemen We the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Boston in Town Meeting duly Assembled, according to Law, apprehending there is abundant to be alarmed at the plan of Despotism, which the enemies of our invaluable rights have concerted, is rapidly hastening to a completion, can no longer conceal our impatience under a constant, unremitted, uniform aim to enslave us, or con- fide in an Administration which threatens us with certain and inevitable destruction. But, when in addition to the repeated inroads made upon the Rights and Liberties of the Colonists, and of those in this Province in particular, we reflect on the late extraor- dinary measure in affixing stipends or Salaries from the Crown to the Offices of the Judges of the Superior Court of Judicature, maliing them not only intirely independent of the people, whose lives and properties are so much in their power, but absolutely dependent on the Crown (which may hereafter, be worn by a Tyrant) both for their appointment and support, we cannot but be extremely alarmed at the mischievous tendency of this innovation ; which in our opinion is directly contrary to the spirit of the British Constitution, pregnant with innumerable evils, and hath a direct tendency [398.] To deprive us of every thing valuable as Men, as Christians and as Subjects, entitled, by the Royal Charter, to all the Rights, liberties and privileges of native Britons. Such being the critical state of this Province, we think it our duty on this truly distressing occasion, to ask you. What can withstand the Attacks of mere power? What can preserve the liberties of the Subject, when the Barriers of the Constitution are taken away? The Town of Boston consulting on the matter above mentioned, thought proper to make application to the Governor by a Com- mittee ; requesting his Excellencj- to communicate such intelligence as he might have received relative to the report of the Judges having their support independent of the grants of this Province a Copy of which you have herewith in Paper N. 1. To v/hich we received as answer the Paper N. 2. The Town on further deliberation, thought it advisable to refer the mat- ter to the Great and General Assembly ; and accordingly in a second address as N. 3 they requested his Excellency that the General Court might Convene at the time to which they then stood prorogued ; to which the Town received the reply as in N. 4. in which we are acquainted with his intentions further to prorogue the General Assembly, which has since taken place. Thus Gentlemen it is evident his Excellency declines giving the least satisfaction as io the matter in request. The affair being of publick concernment, the Town of Boston thought it necessary to Boston Town Records, 1772. 107 consult with their Brethren tliroughout the Province ; and for this purpose appointed a Committee, to communicate with our fellow Sufferers, respecting this recent instance of oppression, as well as the mau}^ other violations of our Rights under which we have groaned for several Years past — This Committee have briefly [39i>,] Recapitulated the sense we have of our invalualijle Rights as Men, as Christians, and as Subjects ; and wherein we conceive those Rights to have been violated, which we are desirous may be laid before your Town, that the subject may be weighed as its im- portance requires, and the collected wisdom of the N\hole People, as far as possible, be obtained, on a deliberation of such great and lasting moment as to involve in it the fate of all our Posterity — Great pains has been taken to perswade the British Administration to think that the good People of this Province in general are quiet and undisturbed at the late measures ; and that any uneasiness that appears, arises from a few factious designing and disaffected men. This renders it the more necessarj'^, that the sense of the People should be explicitly declared. — A free communication of your sentiments to this Town, of our common danger, is ear- nestly solicited and will be gratefully received. If you concur with us in opinion, that our Rights are properly stated, and that the several Acts of Parliament, and Measures of Administration, pointed out by us are subversive of these Rights, you will doubtless think it of the utmost importance that we stand firm as one man, to recover and support them ; and to take such measures by di- recting our Representatives, or otherwise, as your wisdom and for- titude shall dictate, to rescue from impending ruin our happy and glorious constitution. But if it should be the general voice of this Province, that the Rights as we have stated them, do not be- long to us ; or that the several measures of Administration in the British Court, are no violations of these Rights, or that if they are thus violated or infringed, they are not worth contending for, or resolutely maintaining ; — should this be the general voice of the [400.] Province, we must be resigned to our wretched fate ; but shall forever lament the extinction of that generous ardor for Civil and Religeous liberty, which in the face of every danger, and even death itself, induced our fathers to forsake the bosom of their Native Country, and begin a settlement on bare Creation — But we trust this cannot be the case : We are sure your wisdom, your regard to yourselves and the rising Generation, cannot suffer 3'OU to dose, or set supinely indifferent on thebi'ink of destruction, while the Iron hand of oppression is dayly tearing the choicest Fruit from the fair Tree of Liberty, planted by our worthy Predecessors, at the expence of their treasui'e, & abundantly wa- ter'd with their blood — It is an observation of an eminent Pa- triot, that a People long inured to hardshi}3s, loose by degrees the very notions of liberty ; they look upon themselves as Creatures at mercy, and that all impositions laid on by superior hands, are legal and obligatory. — But thank Heaven this is not yet veri- fied in ^menca.' We have j^et some share of publick virtue re- maining : we are not afraid of poverty, but disdain slavei-y. — The fate of Nations is so Precarious and resolutions in States so 108 City Document No. 91. often take place at an unexpected moment, when the hand of power by fraud or flattery, has secured every Avenue of retreat, and the minds of the Subject debased to its purpose, tliat it becomes every will wisher to his Country, while it has any remains of free- dom, to keep an Eagle Eye upon every inovation and stretch of power, in those that have the rule over us. A recent instance of this we have in the late Revolutions in Siveden, by wliich the Prince once subject to the laws of the State, has been able of a sudden to declare himself an absolute Monarcli The S weeds were once a free, martial and valient people: [401.] Their minds are now so debaced, that the}' rejoice at being subject to the ca- price and arbitrary power of a Tyrant & kiss their Chains. It makes us shudder to think, the late measures of Administration may be productive of the like Catastrophe ; which Heaven for- bid ! — Let us consider Brethren, we are struggling for our best Birth Rights & Inheritance ; which being infringed, renders all our blessings precarious in their enjoyments, and consequently Iriffling in their value. Let us disappoint the Men who are raising themselves on the ruin of this Country. Let us convince every In- vader of our freedom, that we will be as free as the Constitution our Fathers recognized, will Justify. At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legall}^ warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Fryday the 5'^^. Day of March Anno Domini 1773 Warrant for calling the Meeting ------ read The Hon^'*^. John Hancock Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting, and took the Oaths respecting his paying & receiving Bills of Credit of the Governments of Connecticut New Ham- shire, and Rhode Island as required by an Act of this Prov- mce [403.] The Committee appointed by the Town the 5*. of March last, to apply to a proper Gentleman, to deliver an Oration 5^^. of March Instant to perpetuate the memory of the horred Massacre perpetrated on the Evening of March 1770 — by a Party of Soldiers under the Order and Eye of Cap*. Thomas Preston of the 29*. Regiment Reported " That they had met together Several times for the purposes mentioned iu the Towns Vote and that they had unanimously chosen D". Benjamin Church to deliver an Oration for the pur- poses mentioned in said Vote, who had accordingly accepted of that service " The above Report having been read, the Question was put — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative, unanimously. Upon a Motion made the Town took into Consideration the Time when it would be best to have the Oration pronounced, as also what place would be most suitable for the purpose — whereupon Boston Town Records, 1773. 100 Voted, that the Oration be delivered | past 12 O'Clock at the Old South Meeting House the Hall not being thought capacious enough to receive the Inhabitants that would probably attend ; and the Committee of that Society having upon application con- sented, that the House should be made use of on this occasion Voted, that D"". Joseph Warren The Hon'''''. James Otis Esq. Jonathan Williams Esq. be a Committee to wait upon D''. Benjamin Church and acquaint him ; that it is the desire of the Town that the [403.] Oration may be delivered at the Old South Meeting House at three quar- ters past 12. O'clock, this Forenoon Upon a Motion made Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to the Old South Meeting House, three quarters past 12. O'Clock this Forenoon The Town met according to Adjournment at the Old South Meeting House at f past 12. O'Clock A : M : The Committee appointed to wait upon D^ Church to acquaint him with the Vote of the Town respecting the time and place for the deliver}' of an Oration — Reported, that said Gentleman, was ready to comply with the Orders of the Town, made known to him by their Committee An Oration to commemorate the horred Massacre of the 5'^. of March 1770 and to impress upon the Minds of the Citizens the ruinous tendency of standing Armies being placed in Free and Populous Cities (&,". was delivered by D^ Benjamin Church to a large and crowded Audience, and received by them with great applause Upon a Motion made and seconded Voted unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to D''. Benjamin Church for the Elegant and spirited Oration delivered by him at their request in commemoration of the horred Massacre perpe- trated on the Evening of the 5. of March 1770. by a Party of Sol- diers of the 29. Regiment under the Command of Cap'. Thomas Preston — also Voted, that the Hon**'®. John Hancock Esq. ^ Hon'''®. James Otis Esq. [404.] M^ Samuel Adams John Scollajf Esq. D"". Jo?!eph Warren M"^. William Dennie ColP. Thomas Marshall be and hereby are appointed a Committee to wait upon D'". Benja- min Church, and in the name of the Town to request of him a Copy of the said Oration for the Press Upon a Motion made and seconded — Voted, that The Hon'''^ John Haiicock Esq. M^ Samuel Adams M'. William Mollineux Hon'"^ Thomas Cushing D"^. Benjamin Church D"". Joseph Warren 110 City Document No. 91. The Hon''''^. James Otis Esq. M^ James Lovel Samuel Pemberlon Esq. be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to apply to a proper Gentleman to deliver an Oration on the 5''\ of March next to perpetuate the memory of the horred Massacre perpetrated on the Evening of the 5. of March 1770 by a Party of Soldiers of the 29. Regiment under the Command of Cap'. Thomas Preston ; and to impress upon our minds the ruinous tendency of standing Armies being placed in Free and Populous Cities ; and the neces- sity of such noble exertions in all future times, as the Inhabitants of the Town then made, whereby the designs of the Conspirators against the publick liberty, may be still frustrated Thanks Voted unanimously to the Moderator Then the Meeting was dissolved [405.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi- tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 8"^. Day of March Anno Domini 1773 Prayer was made by the Rev*^. D'. Pemberton Warrant for calling the Meeting read Sundry laws enjoined to be read at this Meeting were accord- ingly, read The Hon*"®. John Hancock Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting and took the Oaths respecting his paying and receiving Bills of Credit of the Governments of Connecticut New Hampshire and Rhode Island as required by an Act of this Province. M'. William Cooper was chosen Town Clerk for the Year en- suing, and having taken the Oath respecting his paying and re- ceiving Bills of Credit of the Governments of Connecticut New Hampshire and Rhode Island ; took the Oath of Office for the faithful discharge of his Duty, which Oaths were administred to him by M^ Justice Hill " The Town proceeded to the choice of Seven Selectmen and the Votes being brought in and sorted, it appeared that The Hon**'^ John Hancock Esq. John ScoUay Esq. M^ Timothy Newell Coll°. Thomas Marshall M''. Samuel Austin M'. Oliver Wendell [406.] M^ John Pitts were chose Selectmen for the Year ensuing The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Overseers of the Poor, and upon sorting them it appeared, that John Barrett Esq. William Phillips Esq. M'. Benjamin Dolbear M^ William Whitwell M^ William Greanleaff Boston Town Eecords, 1773. Ill Willinra White Esq. John Leveret Esq. John Gore Esq. Cap'. Samuel Partridge M^ Samuel Whitwell M^ Samuel Abbot W. Daniel Waldo were chose Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Wardens and upon sorting them it appeared that M^ Edward Paj-ne - - - (excused) Ezekiel Cheever Esq. M"". Samuel Hews M^ John Copely (d°) Arnold Wells Esq. (d") M"". James Twing M'. Nathaniel Gary Cap'. Caleb Hopkins Cap*. Edward Procter M^ Gibbins Sharp M"". Peter Boyer Cap'. Benjamin Cobb were chose Wardens for the Year ensuina; see Page. [407,] The Town brought in their Votes for Sixteen Fire- Wards and upon sorting them it appeared that John Scollay Esq. Newman Grenough Esq. M". William Cooper M^ John Mi CO Wendell Thomas Marshall Esq. M''. Joseph Tyler Adino Paddock Esq. ' M"". James Richardson - - - - (excused) Cap'. Benjamin Waldo The Hon'''^ John Hancock Esq. M''. Samuel Adams Cap'. Martin Gay Francis Shaw Esq. M". Alexander Hill Cap'. Job Prince Cap'. Edward Procter were chose Fire-Wards for the Year ensuing - - - - see Page Upon a Motion made Voted, that the choice of a County Treas- urer be referred to 4 O'Clock P : M : Adjourned to 3 O'Clock in the Afternoon 3 O'clock, P : M : Town met according to Adjournment The Town brought in their Votes for a Town Treasurer and upon sorting them it appeared, that M^ David Jeffries was chosen, and having taken the Oath respecting his paying and 112 City Document No. 91. t receiving Bills of Credit of the other Governments took the Oath of Office for the f aitliful discharge of his duty [408.] Upon a Motion made and seconded, the Question was put — "Whether Constables and Collectors of Taxes shall be chose separate " - - - Passed in the Affermative Voted, that the Sum of Five Pounds be remitted out of the Ten Pounds fine to such Persons as shall be chose into the Office of Constable for the Year ensuing and shall decline Serving A Motion was made that there sliould be only one Constable now chosen, and that the choice of the others should be referred to the Adjournment ; and the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Negative Mess". Thomas Love Cyrus Baldwin Richard Salter John Tayler John Winthrop James Cazneau James Sethrigg William Pitts Robert Ruggles Joseph Coolidge John Kneeland John Barret Jun''. ----- (excused) were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing see Page M^ John Gray was chosen a Surveyor of Hemp for the Year ensuing in the room of M''. Henderson Inches, who was first chosen but excused by the Town Mess". William Nichols Andrew Symms [409.] William Nichols Clement Collins Henry Allen Isaac Vergoose John Grenough Jacob Thayer Joseph Edmunds Richard Walker John Champney John Bulfinch Abraham Howard Joseph Buller Joseph Ayres Thomas Bayley Andrew Townsend Joseph Ballard John Holland John Rogers Edmund Ranger Thomas Uran Boston Town Records, 1773. 113 Elisha Holmes Obediah Low Benjamin Page Clement Collins Jua'. Dinely Wing Henry Blaisdell Abraham Rogers were chose Surveyers of Boards for the Year ensuing Mess". John Joy Obediah Low Samuel Dyer William Crafts were chose Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing ■ [410.] Mess" Samuel Bangs Joseph Clark Daniel Parks Benjamin Bass Thomas Noland were chose Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing — — Mess" William Daws Jua' Thomas Edes were chose Informers of Deer for the Year ensuing Mess" Peter Cotta Manasah Masters Joseph Dyer John Harskins David Spear Jonathan Jenkins Job Wheelwright Joshua Pico Benjamin Salt Paul Baxter John Owen Thomas Knox Samuel White Edward Cowell Peter Ellis Timothy Pease Nathaniel Waterman Jacob Williams Samuel Bernard John Nowell Henry Lucas Caleb Hayden James Bernard [411.] Richard Flood William Rogers Samuel Peck were chose Collectors of Staves for the Year ensuing 114 City Document No. 91. Mess" : David Simins William IVPFadden were chose Hogreeves for the Year ensuing - M' Thomas Smith was chosen a Hay ward for the Year ensuing- Mess": Josiah Vose - - Joseph Snelling - Caleb Champney Francis Pulcifer- James Thompson Samuel Bradstreet Charles Ferren - John Langdon - Samuel Warden - John Fullerton - Thomas Chase - Benjamin Wheeler were chose Scavengers for the Year ensuing "Wards. - I -2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 (excused) - 7 - 8 -9 -10 - 11 - 12 see Page J>. The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Constables, the Persons chose into that Office are . Mess": Augustus Hail Hezekiah Usher George Thomas Samuel Greanleaff John Hammatt Elias Dupee [413.] John Wells John Coverley Stephen Symms John Beunet Joseph Foye see Page John Tudor Esq M"" John Lucas were chose Surveyors of Wheat for the Year ensuing. Cap' Martin Gay M"^ John Skinner were chose Assay Masters for the Year ensuing. Coll" Joseph Jackson Coll° John Leveret M"^ John Sweetser were chose Purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing, & they are desired and empowered to give all needful direction to the Keeper of the Granary respecting the quantity of Grain to be sold, and affixing the price thereof from time to time as occasion shall re- quire ; And the said Committee are desired and directed to cause all the Grain belonging to the Town to be ground at the New Mills near the Mill Bridge, now occupied by M'' George Leonard Boston Town Records, 1773. 115 The Selectmen chosen Surveyors of the High Ways for the Year ensuing Votes, for a County Treasurer, brought in & being sealed up in Town Meeting, were delivered to M" Constable Bennet, for him to rdeliver to' the Court of Sessions [413.1 The Selectmen Reported on the Accomptof M"' Benja- min Fenno Keeper of the Granary for the Year past, which Ac- compt as enter'd in his Books (and on file in the Town Clerks Office) was read — whereupon it was Voted, that the same be accepted and that M'' Fenno be accountable to the Town for 7»>. Bushels of Corn, and 16 ditto of Rye amounting to £18 ,, 5 ,, 4. and also for the sum of £185 ,, 19 ,, 3 Cash now in his hands exclusive of the Sum of £32 ,, 13 ,, 4. for his Salary and attend- ance as charged in his Account, which is hereby allowed him The Committee appointed to consider of the expediency of fixing Lamps in this Tovvn having met several times and taken the same into consideration beg leave to Report — That for the convenience and safety of the Inhabitants and their Property it would be adviseable for the Town to have 300 — Street Lamps flxt in commodious places to be hereafter determined The Ccmimittee Judge, that each Lamp with the charge of Erecting the same will cost about thirty Shillings That the Annual consumption of Oyle will be about 10 Gallons to a Lamp, which at the present price of Oyle, with the Wick Yarn attendance and repairs, will cost about thirty six Shil- lings As to ways and means for defreying the charge it is recom- mended to the Town to appoint a Committee to procure Subscrip- .tions for the first cost of the Lamps, if this should meet with due encouragement : It is recommended that an application bo made to the General Court for a Law obliging the Inhabitants of this Town to pay a certain yearly rate for every Wheel Carriage they own, and impowering the Town Treasurer to receive of every In- holder and Retailer of Spirituous Liquors and Vendue Masters a certain sum when they renew their Licenses [414.] From these Funds it is imagined the Expence may be defreyed — All which is submitted John Rowe p Order. The foregoing Report having been read and considered — the Question was put — "Whether the same shall be accepted" — Passed in the Affermative Upon a Motion made and seconded. Voted, that - - - M''. James Richardson M"". Edward Payde M^ Daniel Hubbard M^ Caleb Davis M"". Robert Peirpoint M^ William Bant ■ M"". Philip Dumaresque 116 City Document No. 91. M'. Henry Hill M"". Peter Johonnot M^ John Ballard Cap'. William Mackay Cap*. John Bradford be and hereby are appointed a Committee to procure Subscriptions for the first cost of the Lamps. Upon a Motion made Voted, that The Representatives of the Town & The Gentlemen the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed a Committee to make application to the General Court for a law obliging the Inhabitants of this Town to pay a certain Yearly rate for every Wheel Carriage they own, and impowering the Town Treasurer to receive of every Inholder and Retailer of Spirituous Liquors and Vendue Masters, a [415.] Certain Sum when they receive their Licenses, as a Fund to sup- port the Expence of keeping and supplying three hundred Lamps in this Town The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Seven Assessors, and upon sorting them it appeared, that M'. John Kneeland M"^. Benjamin Church Belcher Noyes Esq. M^ Daniel Pecker M'^. Jonathan Brown Gyles Harris Esq. Cap'. Samuel Downe were chose Assessors for the Year ensuing Upon a Motion made and seconded Voted, that the Town Treas- urer be and he hereby is impowered and directed to borrow on In- terest a Sum not exceeding Four hundred pounds lawful Money for the use of the Overseers of the Poor, to purchase Grain &°. for the Almshouse Upon a Motion made and seconded Voted, that the Town Treas- urer be and he hereby is directed and impower'd to give his nego- tiable Notes upon Interest to such of the Overseers of the Poor, as are in advance for the relief of the Town, for such sums as ap- pear to be due them respectively upon the Auditing of their Ac- counts to the present Month. Voted , that the Assessors be and hei'eby are impowered and directed to set for Abatement of such Taxes as they shall Judge reasonable on every Wednesday untill the last Wednesday in April inclusive and no longer siving that they be allowed to set tlie two last Weeks in November, for the [416.] Abatement of the Taxes of such Per- sons as had not an opportunity of applying the above limitted time by reason of their being out of the Province ; at which Time They are also allowed and impower'd to abate the Taxes of such Per- sons as may have died Insolvent between the said last Wednesday in April and the last Day of November. Tlie Petition of a number of the Inliabitants " that Hog Alley may be disposed of or some method taken to carry off the filth Boston Town Records, 1773. 117 and waste Water which greatly incommodes the Abutters." was read and considered, whereupon Voted, that Benjamin Kent Esq. M^ Robert Peirpoint Samuel Swift Esq. M"". Thomas Chase M'. Thomas Bayler be a Committee to consider the Petition view the Premisses and examine into the Title of the Town to said AUej', and Report their Opinion at the Adjournment The Petition of M^ Joseph Russell " that the Town would sell him a small peice of the Land, adjoining to his House and Land in Queen Street." was read, whereupon Voted, that The Selectmen be a Committee to consider the Pe- tition, and Report their Opinion at the Adjournment Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Tuesday next. 9. O'clock. A : M : Tuesday 9. March, 9 O'Clock Met according to Adjournment. [417.] M^ Joseph Loring was chosen a Scavinger for Ward N°. 6 in the room of M^ Samuel Bradstreet Voted, That M^ Edward Payne M^ Alexander Hill M^ Ezekiel Price Thomas Dawes Esq. Cap'. John Bradford be and they hereby are appointed a Committee to Audit the Accompts of M"". Treasurer Jeffries, and the Accompts of the Overseers of the Poor, and the said Committee are enjoined to inspect every particular Accompt of the Moneys ex- pended for the use of the Almshouse ; they are also impowered when they shall Audit said Accompts to allow such of the Over- seers as shall advance Money for the relief of the Poor, Interest on all such sums from the time so advanced, till they shall have Audited said Accompts ; And they are also desired to Report from time to time a state of the Treasury respecting the Debts and Credits, and on any matters that they may think proper. Voted, that the Sum of twelve Pence on the pound be & hereby is allowed to such Persons as shall be chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing, for all such Sums as they shall Collect ; pro- vided they pay into the several Treasuries the whole Sum committed to them to Collect on or before the tenth Day of August 1774. Eight Pence on the Pound on all such other Sums as they shall have so paid into said Treasuries on or before the 20. Day of December 1774. And four Pence on the Pound upon the remain- der of the sums the}' shall be obliged to Collect, provided such remainder shall be fully paid in on or before the second Monday in March 1775 — This Premium as above expressed appears to be Just & equitable & an ample allowance to the Collectors to encourage them to [418.] Discharge their duty with diligence and fidelity ; provided also that each of said Collectors give Bond with 118 City Document No. 91. sufficient Sureties to. the satisfaction of the Selectmen, for the faithful discharge of their duty in said Office ; and complying with this Vote The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Four Collectors of Taxes, and upon sorting them it appeared, that Mess": Edward Hollyday Abraham Savage r ' Benjamin Henderson Benjamin Gray were chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing Voted, that the consideration of Schoolmasters Salarys and all other Salaries and Grants be referred over to next May Meet- ing The Petition of a number of Inhabitants, " that a Watch House may be Erected at the Westerly part of the Town and a suitable Watch be appointed " was read and considered, whereupon — Voted, that the Prayer of the Petition be granted and that the Selectmen be directed to Erect a Watch-house on some suitable place at New Boston, and to appoint a proper Watch for the same . The Petition, of Cap' Edward Jarvis, " that his tax for the Year 1760. may be abated him for reasons therein mentioned" was read,^ whereupon Voted, that the Assessors be and hereby are appointed a Com- mittee to take the same into consideration and Report at the Adjournmeut the true state of the matter respecting the Abate- ments [41 9.] The Petition of M^ Samuel Holbrook Master of the Writing School in tlie Common " that some Relief may be afforded him for Reasons set forth in his Petition." was read, whereupon Voted, that the Consideration thereof be referred over to May Meeting The Petition of M''. John Fenno Usher of the aforesaid School " that his Salary may be augmented for Reasons therein offered" — was read, and the consideration thereof referred over to May Meeting That Article in the Warrant Viz* " Of the Request of a number of the Inhabitants to consider what is proper to be done to vindi- cate the Town from the gross misrepresentations and groundless charges in his Excelleucys Messages to both Houses, respecting the Proceedings of the Town at their last Meeting " — was read — whereupon Voted, that M'. Samuel Adams D^ Joseph Warren D"'. Benjamin Church Joseph Greanleaff Esq. Samuel Swift. Esq. be a Committee to take this Article into Consideration, and Report at the Adjournment Benjamin Kent Esq. James Otis Esq. D"". Thomas Young, see above Boston Town Records, 1773. 119 A proposal of M"". William Whitwell and others was introduced and read, and considerable debate had thereon, but as it was not inserted in the Warrant for this Meeting, no Motion was made thereon That Article in the Warrant Viz'. " To know the mind [420.] Of the Inhabitants whether it will not be for the safety & preser- vation of the Town, that Pumps be fixed at the Mill Bridge and Draw Bridge, or some other places to be used in times of Fire " was read whereupon Voted, that Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq. M^ William Whitwell t John Barret Esq. John Tuder Esq. be a Committee to consider of this matter, and Report at the Adjournment That Article in the Warrant Viz* — " To consider the Request of a number of the Inhabitants, that Sea Street may be thoroughly repaired," — was read, and after some Debate Voted, that Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq. Thomas Daws Esq. M-". William Whitwell M''. John Sweetser M'. Robert Peirpoint be a Committee to take this Matter into consideration, to enquire what the Proprietors on that Street are obliged to do by their Grants, and to Report as soon as m;iy be The Petition of a number of Inhabitants — " That a new Street may be laid out from the end of Union Street across Friend Street, and through the Lands of Cap'. Andrews and others, laid waste by the late Fire so as to strike upon Sudbury Street " was read, whereupon Voted that Jonathan Williams Esq. M'. Jonathan Mason John Tuder Esq. Thomas Gray Esq. [431.] M"". Henderson Inches be a Committee to take the same into consideration, and Report at the Adjournment That Article in the Warrant Viz'. — " To consider the Request of the Fire- Wards, that a number of Leather Buckets may be pro- vided for each Engine " was read & considered whereupon Voted, that the Fire Ward be and they hereb}- are desired and impowered to provide Six Leather Buckets for each Fire Engine The Petition of M''. Gowen Brown " That the Clock now placed upon the Old South Church Steeple may be purchased for a pub- lick Clock " was read, whereupon Voted that Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq. M^ Timothy Newell M". John Sweetser M^ John Pitts Thomas Daws Eliq. 120 City Document No. 91. be a Committee to take the same into consideration arid Report at ttie Adjournment Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Tuesday the 23'^. of March Instant 9. O'Clock A : M: And the Meeting was accord- ingly Adjourned Tuesday the 23'^. of March 9. O'Clock A: M: Town Met ac- cording to Adjournment M^ Edward Payne chosen a "Warden for the Year ensuing, hav- ing desired to be excused from serving in that office, as a lameness occasioned by a wound received on the [423.] Fifth of March 1770. rendered him unable to discharge this Duty, he was accord- ingly excused by the Town The Town brought in their Votes for one Constable and upon sorting them it appeared that M^ William Todd was chosen a Constable for the Year ensuing M''. James Richardson chosen one of the Fire-Wards for the Year ensuing, having desired to be excused from serving in that Office, he was accordingly excused M^ James Richardson Chairman of the Committee appointed by the Town to procure Subscriptions to the amount of the first cost of the Lamps Voted to be purchased being unable to attend the Meeting — M''. Edward Payne one of said Committee Reported — " That altho' they were not able to make a full Report they could notwithstanding acquaint the Town, that they had proceeded so far in the business enjoined them, as now to give it as their opin- ion, that they should be able to obtain the Sum wanted for the pur- pose aforesaid " — whereupon it was Voted, that the consideration of the Report of the Committee relative to the Lamps should be referred to the next Day 11. O'Clock. A : M : The Committee appointed to consider the Petition of M^ Joseph Russell, "That the Town would sell him a small peice of the Land Adjoining to his House and Laud in Queen Street." Re- ported as their oi)inion, that it would not be for the interest of the Town to dispose of said Land — And the Question being put — Whether [4^3.] Said Report shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative The Assessors of the Town of Boston, a Committee appointed to consider the Petition of Cap'. Robert Jarvis "That his tax for the Year 1760 may be abated him " Reported " That the said Rob- ert Jarvis being desired to give his attendance was informed that on his application to the Assessors of said Town there had been a consideration made him. which he said he never knew of, otherwise he sliould not have applyed to the Town, and according he paid the aforesaid tax to M^ Robert Peirpoint the Collector." — which Report was accepted by the Town M^ Samuel Adams acquainted the Moderator, that he was di- rected by a Committee of which he was Chairman to make a Re- port ; and the same was read as follows. Viz'. "The Committee appointed to consider what is proper to be done to vindicate the Town from the gross misrepresentations and Boston Town Records, 1773. 121 groundless charges iu his Excellencies Messages to both Houses of the General Assembly respecting the proceedings of the Town at their last Meeting beg leave to Report " That having carefully looked over the several speeches of the Governor of the Province to the Council and House of Representa- tives, in the last Session of- the General Assembly, they find that his Excellency has plainly msinuated ; First, that the said Meeting of the Town was illegal in itself — "• Secondly that the points therein determined were [434.] Such as the Law gives the Inhabitants of Towns in their Corpo- rate capasities no power to act upon, & therefore that the Proceed- ings of said Meeting were against Law, And, '' Thirdly that the Iuh;ibitants thus Assembled advanced and af- terwards, published to the World such principles as have a direct tendency to alienate the Affections of the People from their Sover- eign. And he plainly asserts that " they denied in the most express terms the supremicy of Parliament, and invited every other Town and District in the Province to adopt the same Principles " " We have therefore thought it necessary to recur to the meth- ods taken for calling said Meeting And we find that three Petitions were preferred to the Selectmen signed by 198 respectable Inhab- itants making mention of a Report that then prevailed and which since appears to have been well grounded, that Salaries were allowed to be paid to the Justices of the Superior Court of the Prov- ince by Order of the Crown ; whereby they were to be made to- tally independent of the General Assembly and absolutely depend- ent on the Crown : And setting forth their apprehensions that such an establishment would give a finishing stroke to the system of tyranny already began, and compleat the ruin of the liberties of the People. And therefore earnestly requesting the Select- men to call a Meeting that this matter might be duly considered by the Town, and such measures taken as the necessity and impor- tance thereof required. Whereupon the Selectmen issued a Warrant for calling a Meeting accordingly : And which was [435.] Strict- ly agreable to the Laws of this Province, and the practice of this and other Towns from the earliest times "By an Act of this Province made in the fourth of William & Mary, it is enacted that, " when and so often as there shall be oc- casion of a Town Meeting of any business of publick concern- ment to the Town there to be done, the Constable or Constables of such Town by order of the Selectmen, or the major part of them, or the Town Clerk by their order, in each respective Town within the Province shall warn a Meeting of such Towns." And by another Act made in the 2^. George I. it is enacted, "that when and so often as ten or more of the Freeholders, shall signify under their hands to the Selectmen, their dt^sire to have any mat- ter or thing inserted into a Warrant for calling a Town Meeting, the Selectmen are hereby required to insert the Same in the next Warrant they shall issue for the calling a Town Meeting " "But were there no such laws of the Province or should our Enemies pervert these and other laws made for the same purpose, from their plain and obvious intent and meaning, still there is the l2^ City Document No. 91. great and perpetual law of self preservation, to which every natural Person or Corporate Body hath an inherent right to recur. This being the law of the Creator, no human law can be of force against it : And indeed it is an absurdity to suppose that any such law could be made by common consent, which alone gives validity to Human laws. If then the ^'■matter or thing" — Viz', the fixing Salaries to the Offices of the Judges of the Superior Court as aforesaid, was such as threatened the lives, liberties and propertys of the People which we have the authority of the greatest Assem- bly of the Province to affirm ; the Inhabitants of this or any other Town, had certainly an uncontrovertible right to meet together, either in the manner the law has prescribed, or in any other orderly manner. Jointly to consult the necessary means of their own [4S6.] Preservation and safety. The Petitioners wisely chose the rule of the Province law by applying to the Selectmen for a Meeting ; and they as it was their duty to do, followed tlie same rule and called a Meeting accordingly. We are therefore not a little surprised, that his Excellency speaking of this and other principal Towns, should descend to such an artful use of words ; that "a '^ number of Inh< lb itants hsLve assembled together, and hav- ing assumed the name of a legal Town Meeting" &c. thereby ap- pearing to have a design to lead an inattentive reader to believe, that no regard was had to the laws of the Province, in calling these Meetings, and consequently to consider them as illegal & disorderly " The Inhabitants being met and for the purpose aforesaid the points determined his Excellency says " were such as the law gives the Inhabitants of Towns in their Corporate Capasity no power to act upon." It would be a sufficient Justification of the Town to say, that no law forbids the Inhabitants of Towns in their Corporate capasities to determine such points as were then deter- mined. And if there was no positive legal I'estraint upon their conduct it was doing them an essential injury, to represent it to the world as illegal. Where the law makes no special provision for the common safety, the People have a right to consult their own preservation ; and the necessary means to withstand a most dangerous attack of Arbitrary power. At such a time it is but a pitiful objection to their thus doing, that the Law has not expressly given them a power to act upon such points. This is the very language of Tyranny : And when such objections are offered to prevent the Peoples Meeting together in a time of publick danger, it affords of itself Just grounds of Jealous}', that a plan is laid for their Slavery [437.] The Town entered upon an enquiry into the Grounds of a report, in which the common safety was very greatly inter- ested. They made their application to the Governor, a Fellow Citizen as well as the first Majestrate of the Province : But they were informed by his Excellency that " it was by no means proper for him " to acquaint them whether he had or had not received any advices relating to the publick affairs of the Govei'nment of the Province" There next determination was to Petition the Governor, that the General Assembly might be allowed Boston Town Eecords, 1773. 123 to meet at the time to which it then stood prorogued : But his Excellency refused to grant this request least it should be " en- couraging the Inhabitants of other Towns to Assemble," to con- sider of the necessity or expediency of a Session of the General Assembly." Ilithertoo the Town had determined upon no point but only that of petitioning the Governor : And will his Excel- lency or any one else affirm, that the Inhabitants of this or any other Town, have not a right in their Corporate capasity to peti- tion for a Session of the General Assembly, merely because the law of this Province, that authorizes Towns to Assemble does not expressly make that the business of a Town Meeting. It is the declaration of the Bill of Rights founded in reason that it is the right of the Subject to Petition the King : And it appears in his Excellencys answer, that tlie Inhabitants of this Town were in effect denied in one instance at least the right of petitioning his Majestys Representative. Which was the more grievous to them, because the prayer of their petition was nothing more, than that the General Assembly might have the opportunity of enquiring of the Governor into the grounds of the report of an intoUerablc grievance which his Plxcelleuc}' had before strongly intimated to them, it was not in his power to inform tlieyn of, " consistent with fidelity to the trust which his Majesty had re- posed in him " [428.] " We have been the more particular in reciting the transactions of that Meeting thus far, in order that the propriety and necessity of the further proceedi: gs of the same Meeting may appear in a true point of light '"• His Excellency having thus frowned upon the reasonable Peti^ tions of the Town ; and they having the strongest apprehensions, that in addition to or rather in consequence of other Grievances not redressed, a mortal wound would very soon be given to the Civil Constitution of the Province and having no assurance of the timely interposition of the General Assembly, to whose wisdom they were earnestly solicitous to refer the whole matter ; the Town thought it expedient to state as far as they were able the Rights of the Colonists, and of this Province, to enumerate the infringe- ments on those Rights, and in a Circular Letter to each of the Towns and Districts in the Province to submit the same to their consideration : That the Subject might be weighed as its impor- tance required, and the collected wisdom of the whole People as far as possible obtained. At the same time not " caUing upon" those Towns and Districts, " to adopt their prhiciples" as his Ex- cellency in one of his Speeches afferms ; but onl3nnforming them that " a free communication of their sentiments to this Town of our common danger, was earnestly solicited and would be gratefully received. We may Justly affirm that the Town had a right at that Meeting to communicate their sentiments of mattei's which so nearly concerned the publick liberty and consequently their own preservation. They were matters to use the words of the Province Law of " publick concernment" to this and every other Town, and every Individual in the Province : Any attempt therefore to obstruct the channel of publick [439.] Intelligence in this way, 124 City Document No. 91. argues in our opinion a design to keep the People in ignorance of their danger, that they may be the more easily and speedily in- slaved It is notorious to all the World, that the liberties of this Conti- nent and especially of this Province have been systimatically, and successfully invaded from step to step. It is not then to say the least, Justifiable in any Towns as being part of the great tvhole, when the last effort of Tyranny is about to be made, to spread the earliest notice of it far and wide, and hold up the iniquitous System in full view. It is a great satisfaction to us, that so many of the respectable Towns in the Piovince, and we may add Gentlemen of figure in other Colonies, have expressed and con- tinue to express themselves much pleased with the measure : And we encourage ourselves, that from the manifest discovery of an union of sentiments, in this Province, which has been one happy fruit of it, there will be the united efforts of tJie tvJiole in all constitutional and proper methods to prevent the entire ruin of our liberties " His Excellency is pleased to say in one of his Speeches that the Town have "denied in the most express terms the Supremicy of Parliament" — It is fortunate for the Town, that they made choice of the very mode of expression which the present House of Representatives in their wisdom made use of in settling the matters of controversy between the Governor and them'. And after what they have advanced upon the Subject, it appears to us impossible to be shown that the Parliament of Great Britain can exercise the " power of legislation for the Colonists in all cases whatever," consistently with the right that belongs to the Colo- nists as Men, as Christians & as Subjects ; or without destroying the foundation of their own Constitution [430.] If the assertion that the Parliament hath no right to exercise a power in cases where it is plain they have no right, hath a direct tendency to alienate the affections of the People from their Sovereign, be- cause he is a constituent part of that Parliament which seems to be his Excellencies manner of reasoning, it follows as we conceive that there must never be a complaint of any assumption of power in the Parliament, or petition for repeal of any law made repug- nant to the Constitution least it should tend to alienate the affec- tions of the People from their Sovereign, But we have a better opinion of our fellow^ Subjects then to concede to such conclu- sions. "We are assured they can clearly see that a mistake in prin- ciple may be consistent with integrity of heart ; & for our parts we shall ever be inclined to attribute the Grievances of various kinds which his Majestys American Subjects have so long suf- fered, to the weakness or wicK'edness of his Ministers and Ser- vants, and not to any disposition in him to injure them. And we yet perswade ourselves that could the Petitions of his much ag- grieved Subjects be transmitted to his Majesty, through the hands of an honest impartial Minister, we should not fail of ample Re- dress " His Excellencys Argument seems to us to be rather strained, when he is attempting to shew that we have " invited every other Boston Town Records, 1773. 125 Town and District to adopt our Principles." It is this the Town says "if it should be the general voice of the Province, that the Rights as stated do not belong to them (trusting however that this cannot be the case) they shall lament the extinction of ardour of Civil & Religeous liberty.; therefore says his Excellency, the Town invited to adopt their principles ! Could it possibly be supposed that wlien his Excellency had declared to the whole Province, that [431.] We had invited every other Town and District in this Province to adopt the same principles, he intended to avail him- self of such an explanation ! Mnch the same w-ay of reasoning follows — Tho' it would not be to the reputation of the other Towns if it should h;ive any weight.) That because their conse- quent doings were similar to those of this Town, therefore they understood y*. they were invited to a'iopt the same principles, and therefore they were thus invited to adopt them. Upon the whole there can be no room to doubt, but that every Town which has thought it expedient to Correspond with this on the occasion, have acted their o>on Judgement & expressed their oicn sentiments & principles : It is an unspeakable satisfaction to Uo, that their sentiments so nearly accord with ours ; and it adds a dignity to our proceedings, that when the House of Representa- tives were called upon by the Governor to bear their testimony against them, as of a "' dangerous nature & tendency they saw reason to declare " — that they had not discovered that the Prin- ciples advanced by the Town of Boston were unwarrantable by the Constitution The foregoing Report was accepted by the Town nemine contra- dicente. and Ordered to be Recorded on the Towns Book, as the sense of the Inhabitants of this Town Voted, that the said Report be printed in the several News Papers, and that the Committee of Correspondence be directed to transmit a printed Copy thereof to such Towns and Districts as they have or may Correspond with The Committee appointed to consider the Petition of a number of Inhabitants "that Hog Alley may be disposed of or some meth- od taken to carry off the filth and waste Water which greatly incommodes the Abutters " — to view the Premisses and to exam- ine into the Title of the Town to said Alley and to Report [433.] At the Adjournment — gave in the following Report That in pursuance of their trust they have viewed Hog Alley, and the Land Adjoining and near the same, and find that said Alley now is and many years past has been a great Nusance to the Abutters and many others ; the Committee also find that it has been occasioned by the alteration of the old natural course of the Water which used to run from Beacon Hill down to the Gate entering into the Common a little below Sheriff Greanleaff's Garden, or near to it, and that from thence there was a large Water course running down and terminating in a Pond which bears near South of Frog Pond. The Committee further Report that on the 22''. of September 1701 . the Selectmen were impowored to affix & assign Names to the several Streets And Lanes in this Town, and on the Spring of the 126 CiTF Document No. 91. Year 1708. having taken such Account Hog Alley is mentioned among the rest and by the Town Recorded but we do not find that Hog Alley was ever given or sold to the Town or any wise claimed by the Town or as a Town way ; for in the Year 1702 there was no such Alley, and one Durant then sold to Thomas Blin (under whom Mess". Brimmers Claim) a i/cU of Land part of said Du rants Pasture lying to the North of his Message called the Lamb and bounds his Grant Southerly upon his own Land from Newbury Street to the Common we also find that the strip of Land called Hog Alley was left out of said Blins own Land (as we suppose for his own convenience) and that that Alley way was left out as aforesaid between the Years 1702 & 1708. so that the Committee are further of opinion that the only proper as well as the cheapest way to carry the Water from against Winter Street to the said Gate or near it, is to continue the paved Gutt.T next the Mall opposite to Winter Street down to or near the Gate aforesaid, and there to conduct [433.] The Water under a Stone Bridge three feet wide across the Mall and tliereby the Water will be carried off in its former natural course into the Pond aforesaid the which heretofore being obstructed, has occasioned tlie nusance aforesaid and also has very much hurt and injured the Towns Land by the School house, which has rendred the Road along there frequently almost impossible : We are also of opinion that the fee of Hog Alley is in Mess". Brimmers, and who as they will be accomodated by the Removal of the Fence North of said Alley are willing to lay as much Gravel as will to all intents prevent any inconvenience to those who hold under Durant or any of the Vicin- ity there and which will ever preserve the Mall lutire and prevent further charge Benjamin Kent p. Order, The aforegoing Report having been read and debate had there- on, — A Motion was made that said Report be recommitted, which did not obtain, — the Question being then put — Whether the Report shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative ]\P. John Coply chosen a Warden for the Year ensuing, having acquainted the Town that he was about leaving the Province for some time ; and desiring to be excused he was accordingly excused The Town brought in their Votes for two Wardens and upon sorting them, it appeared that Mess". Joshua Green ------ (excused) Andrew Black were chose Wardens for the ensuing Year - - - - see Page Upon a Motion made, Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be given MT. James Richardson for his good services as a Fire-Ward, several Years past [434.] The Town brought in their Votes for one Fire Ward in the room of M"". James Richardson, who had resigned and upon sorting them it appeared that M^ John Coffin was chosen a Fire- Ward for the ensuing Year Boston Town Records, 1773. 127 The Committee appointed to consider, " Whether it will not be more for the safety and preservation of the Town, that Pumps be fixed at the Mill Bridge or some other places to be used in times of Fire " now Report • That tliey have attended that service and are unanimously of opinion, that it will tend greatly for the pieservatiou of the Towns & safety in a time of Fire to have two Pumps fixed at the Mill bridge, one on each side and two at the Draw bridge in the same manner. The Committee having viewed said Bridges & the Mill Creek find very convenient places where said Pumps may be fixed, without any inconvenience to the Inhabitants, or to Car- riages passing over said Bridges one of which the Committee pro- pose shall be in the House or Shed lately erected at the Mill Bridge for the new Engine given to the Town by the Hon'''^. John Hancock Esq. The Committee have also procured an estimate of the expence that will arise if the Town shall think proper to have said Pumps, and it will be about Seven Pounds lawful Money for each Pump, tlie whole charges of the Pump maker. Blacksmiths and Carpen- ters being included in this sum The Committee also Report that they Judge it necessary, another Pump about midwa}'^ between the 1. Bridge on the Southwest side of the Creek should be fixed, as there are a great number of large Wooden [435.] Houses and Buildings in that Neighbour- hood, & few of them have Wells and Pumps, and in case of a Fire thereabouts tlie chief supply of Water must be from the Creek, and if a Pump should be fixed there, it would prevent great dis- truction in a time of Fire, and this the Committee would I'ecom- meud provided the Inhabitants and Proprietors of Houses who are near will at their own Expence fill up and keep in Repair the Passage Way belonging to the Town that leads to the place where this Pump is proposed to be fixed All which is submitted in the name of the Committee E. GOLDTHVTAIT. The foregoing Report having been read & considered it was Voted, the same be accepted, and that the Selectmen be directed to procure Pumps and fix them at the Places mentioned in the Re- port as soon as may be Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Wednesday the 24. In- stant 11. O'clock A: M: Wednesday March 24 inst 1 1 O'Clock A. M : Met according to Adjournment M"". Benjamin Hammett was chosen a Clerk of the Market for the Year ensuins: The Town brought in their Votes for two Wardens and upon sorting them it appeared, that M"^. Samuel Allen Ottis Cap*. John PuUing were chose Wardens for the Year ensuing [436.] A Motion made and seconded, that the two Votes passed the 8. of March Instant so far as they respect " the ways 128 City Document No. 91. and means for defreying the charge of keeping and supplying the Lamps," the Town have ordered to be purchased ; also the ap- pointing a Committee to " make application to the General Court for a Law obliging the Inhabitants of this Town to pay a certain yearly Rate for every Wheel Carriage they own, and impowering the Town Treasurer to receive of every Inholder and Retailer of Spirituous Liquors and Vendue Masters a certain Sum when they receive their Licenses as a Friend to support the Expence of keep- ing and supplying three hundred Lamps in this Town," be recon- sidered, and the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affermative — also Voted, that the Expence of keeping & supplying three hundred Lamps or any further number shall be defreyed by a general Tax on the Inhabitants of this Town Upon a Motion made and seconded. Voted, The Hon'"^ John Hancock Esq. John Rowe Esq. M"". Ebenezer Storer M''. Henderson Inches William Phillips Esq. Benjamin Austin Esq. M'. Nathaniel Appleton be a Committee to consider of some proper regulations for the se- curity of Lamps that are to be placed in this Town, and to Report the same at the next Meeting, as also their Opinion relative to the fashion, purchase placing and lighting said Lamps, and every other [437.] Thing they may think necessary to be done upon this matter see Page Upon a Motion made. Voted, that M^ James Richardson M^ Edward Payne M^ Daniel Hubbard Deacon Caleb Davis M'. Robert Peiipoint M^ William Bant M"". Philip Diimeresque M^ Henry Hill M^ Peter Johonnot M"". John Ballard Cap'. William Mackay Cap*. John Bradford A Committee appointed the 8"'. Instant to procure Subscriptions of the Inhabitants for such Sums as may be thought necessary to defrey the first cost of the Lamps, Voted by the Town, be desired to Collect the Monys subscribed for as soon as possible Then the Meetins? was dissolved [438 .] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 5. Day of May 1773 Prayer was made by the Rev^. M^ Samuel Mather Boston Town Eecords, 1773. 129 The Precept and Warrant for calling the Meeting read Sundry Laws _... read M'. Timothy Newell one of the Selectmen proposed in their Names to the Inhabitants Assembled to proceed to the choice of one or more Persons to Represent them in the Great and General Court or Assembly to be held at the Town House in Boston upon Wednesday the 26. Day of May Current, and in order thereto to consider and ascertain tlie number of Gentlemen to be Elected ; Accordingly it was Voted, to proceed to the choice of Four Repre- sentatives and then it was declared by tlie Selectmen, that no Votes will be received but such as are unfolded ; and that they propose the Poll shall be closed at 12. O'Clock The Town brought in their Votes for Four Representatives, the Number of the same was found to be 419, and upon sorting them it appeared, that the Four following Gentlemen were chosen Viz'. The Hon'''^ Thomas Cushing Esq. - - - - 418 The Hon'"^ John Hancock Esq. 417 M'' Samuel Adams 413 William Phillips Esq. 416 r4:39.] The choice of Representatives being over, and declared by the Selectmen, the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting in order that Town may proceed in transacting the other affairs mentioned in the Warrant : Accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew and brought in their Votes & upon sorting them it appeared that the Hon'''®. Thomas Cushing Esq. was chosen ; but the Town being soon in- formed l)y the Constable sent to M"". Cushing, that he was gone out of Town, they proceeded to bring in their Votes for another, Moderator as directed by the Selectmen, and upon sorting them it appeared that M"". Samuel Adams Esq. was chosen That Article in the Warrant Viz'. — " Whether the Town will give Instructions to the Representatives that may be chosen," was read, whereupon Voted, that the Town will give Instructions to their Representatives — also Voted, that Dr. Joseph Warren D"^. Benjamin Church Joseph Greanlcaff Esq. M'. Nathaniel Appleton M" William Cooper be a Committee to prepare Instructions for our Representatives in General Assembly, and to Report if they are able at 5. O'Clock in the Evening Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P: M : 3 O'Clock Met according to Adjournment [440.] To the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Boston in Town Meeting Assembled May 5. 1773 Pursuant to a Vote of the Town of Boston at their annual Meet- ing the 6*. Day of Mav last, desiring the Selectmen to Visit the Publick Schools in the Town and to Invite such Gentlemen to ac- company them therein as they shall think proper, and to Report thereon 130 City Document No. 91. We the Subscribors accordingly attended that service on the 1" Day of July last, and the following Gentlemen were invited to accompany us therein — Viz*. The Hon"^ John Irving Esq. James Bowdoin Esq. " Thomas Hubbard Esq. Harrison Gray Esq. James Pilts Esq. The Representatives of the Town The Overseers of the Poor The Town Treasurer The Rev*^ Charles Chauncey D: D Mather Byles D: D Andrew Eliot D:D Ebenezer Pemberton - - - - D: D Samuel Cooper ------ D: D Samuel Mather John Hunt John Bacon John Lothrop Simeon Howard Searl Penuei Bowen M' William Powell Maj' Nathaniel Barbour [4:41.] M'". Nathaniel Appleton M"'. John Sweetser M^ Thomas Brattle M"". William Dennie Byfield Lyde Esq. M"". John Amory Joseph Jackson Esq. M'. Henderson Inches M"". Jonathan Mason M''. Ebenezer Storer Samuel Pemberton Esq. Cap'. Martin Gay Coll°. John Erving Thomas Daws Esq. M^ Joshua Blanchard M"". Thomas Lever it Maj^ Adino Paddock Coll". William Coffin M''. John Joy Joseph Scott Esq. James Otis Esq. Joshua Winslow Esq. from Nova Scotia Thomas Boylston Esq. Thomas Alwin Esq. M^ Tuttle Hubbard -^fr T 1 i from S". Carolina M^ Ludson ) Boston Town Records, 1773. 131 Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq. M'. John Mico Wendell ]\P. Thomas Amory M^ John Greanleaff M^. Nathaniel Allen of Cape Ann Edmund Quincy Esq. D"". Joseph Wai'ren M"^. William MoUineux M"". Ebenezer Hancock [443.] And found the South Grammar School had 130 Schol- ars the North Grammar School 59 Scholars ; the South Writing School 220 Scholars ; the North Writing School 250 Scholars ; the Writing School in Queen Street 2C4 Scholars, all in very good order John Scollay 1 g a Timothy Newell [ I § Thomas Marshall ,' |m Samuel Austin J ^ o M'. Elias Parkman was chosen a Clerk of the Market for the Year ensuing. That Article in the Warrant Viz'. — " To consider whether any further directions are necessary to be given M"". Treasurer Jeffries, relative to the Money borrowed of the Town some time since by the Managers of the Linen Manufactory Company " — was read and after debate had thereon — Motioned That the Selectmen be impowered to receive of the Linen Man- ufactory Company, the Money now in the hands of Ezekiel Gold- thwait Esq. Executor of the late Middlecott Cook Esq. who was Clerk of said Company, & is the balance remaining due ; as also all the Utensils & Articles that now remains in the hands of the Company and upon this being done to give them a discharge — the Question being accordingly put — passed in the Negative It was then moved and Voted, that the Town Treasurer be di- rected to put the Compauys Obligation for Moneys lent them l)y the Town, in Suit, immediately, as twenty Years have near expired since the Note was given — also Voted, that M"". Samuel Adams William Phillips Esq. [443.] M^ William MolUneux M^ William Greanleaff M^ Moses Gill be a Committee to examine the Books of the late Manufactory Company so called, they consenting thereto, and to ascertain the amount of Stock in their hands when the Company discontinued the Manufactory ; and also to take an Account of the Utensils then in their possession, and the value of the same and to Report as soon as may be The Committee appointed to prepare Instructions for the Repre- eentatives, Reported the following Draught To the Hon**'^. Thomas Gushing Esq. M"^. Samuel Adams Hon^'''. John Hancock Esq. 132 City Document No. 91. William Phillips Esq. Representatives for the Town of Boston Oentlemen By the renewed Suffrages of your Brethren of this Town, you are once more called upon to Represent them in the General Assembly : The unanimity so conspicuous in your Elec- tion -at this important Juncture affords the strongest Testimony of the confidence the People repose in your approved Abilities, and inflexible Attachmtmt to their Constitutional Rights. Your Constituents have behold with indignation that purposed neglect and insolent contenjpt with which the Representative Body of this People have been regarded by Administration. A total inattention to the privileges of the Commons in America has dis- graced almost every transaction, that materially effected the Colo- nies : [444.] Aclandestine, capricious and distructivemode of Gov- ernment, couch'd under the specious umbrage of Instructions from Majesty, has been uniformly adopted and wantonly exorcised for several Years past, thereby' rendering the Assemblys of Commons throughout the Colonies, mere Cyphers in the Constitution : For this reason Gentlt m3n, ive were almost dii^couraged from renewing the choice of Members, as ineffectual for the several purposes for which they were originally ordain'd; but still retaining respect to that good and orderly Government, which has ever distinguished this Metropolis ; agreeable to the Charter, which on oicr parts re- mains inviolate, we once more recommend the important concerns of this aggrieved People, to your vigilance, wisdom and integrity ; in confidence that you will regard with Jealousy, ymr oioa consti- tutional power & importance of which the honor and wellfare of this People, should render you extremely tenacious ; that you will vigorously oppose any incroachments on your ancient privileges and never will betray your Constituents, by surrendering those powers of framing Laws & Taxes for the People to any Usurper under Heaven Tlie Constitutional mode by which Legislation & Taxation are conducted in Great Britain, being nothing more or less than the exercise of the power of the People by their Representatives : This form of Goverment is extended by sacred compact to the English Dominions in America, therefore the Privileges and Powers of the Commons of this Colony respecting Legislation and Tax- ation are to all intents and purpos-es, as full express and uncon- troulable vithin the Colony as those usually exercised by the Com- mons of Great Britain within the Ralni and cdike subjected [445.] To the Revision of the King: These Powers and Privi- l('o-es were secured to our Ancestors, by solem Covenant between them, and the King of England, and perpetuated by their Charter to their latest Posterity : From the free and full enjoyment of these original Rights of English Subjects, we are determined never to recede; and altho' they have been repeatedly and daringly in- vaded, the hand of Oppression shall never induce us to relinquish our title to freedom : We still perceive with indignation that the Governmental powers of Legislation & Taxation by Arbitrary claim are assumed, and vigorously exercised by those who by their local Boston Town Records, 1773. 133 situation can have no adequate knowledge of our circumstances, no kindred feelings in our distresses, and when swayed by a cor- rupt influence, may impoverish weaken and inslave us To the numberless grievances flowing from this iniquitous source, which we have already frequently and fruitlessly complained of, we may Justly add a stipendary Soldierly stationed and con- tinued in the chief Fortress in the Metropolis of this Colonie by the inexorable Enemies to our free Constitution : Standing Armies have forever made Shipwreck of Free States and no People Jealous of their liberties ever patiently suffered Mei'cenary Troops to be quarter'd & maintained within their Populous Cities ; the Mili- tia of the Colony are its natural and best defence ; and it is an ap- proved maxim in all well policed States, that the Sword should never be intrusted but to those who combat pro aris et facts; and whose interest it is to preserve the publick peace. We cannot therefore but resent those Standing Troops within our Capital Cities, as the appointed Executioners of Tyranny, and prepared Instruments to massacre the defenceless Citizens, at ihe nod of any Master who [4:46.] May have Authority to appoint or dis- charge, reward or punish them Thus armed with .Brutal force the Enemies of our freedom perse- vere with alacrity, to compleat their infernal plan of enslaving America ; the above atrocious violations of Riglit, Justice and the Constitution are succeeded by the pensioning our Governor the Justices of the Superior Court &". which in effect is bribing them on the side of Despotism: Those who by their several Offices should be the Asylum of publick security & liberty, are no longer the objects of confidence and regard with the People : we cannot but esteem them as sul)ordinate Tyrants intrusted with a Rod to scourge us, and suppress that spirit of freedom which is the glo- rious characteristic of America. While tliey are thus purchased with ample Salaries extorted from the Colonies by Great Britain, we must be Jealous of a corrupt influence, when ever an Arbitrary measure of Goverment is to be carried, or a Claim of Right sub- jected to the Division of our Courts of Justice We shall not recapitulate the black Catalogue of abuses which the Colonies have been subjected to for sevei'al years past ; that we have suffered th3m so long is disgraceful to us : But we cannot pass over in silence the late extraordinary and formidable innovation in constituting an Arbitrary Court of Inquisition, which has lately assumed Jurisdiction within our Sister Colony of Rhode Island, in direct violation of all law and Justice ; who ar- rogate the enormous power to transport supposed Ofienders to a remote Kingdom, to be capitally arraigned for offences committed within that Colony. Agreable to the [447.] Constitution of the Colonies, said Court in the exercise of such extravagant powers, are to be held in the same contempt and detestation, with a Ban- ditti of Slave Makers on the Coast of Affrica. We therefore expect you make due enquir}^ into a Measure so truly alarming & protest against every exertion of lawless power, which threatens the ruin of the Colonies Harrassed and provoked by such repeated abuses of power, we 134 City Document No. 91. esteem it our indispensible duty to demand redress ; to your Wis- dom and your fortitude we commit ourselves not doubting you will readily pursue such measures as have a tendency to relieve us in the most easy and effectual manner ; for this purpose we recom- mend to your most serious consideration whether an application to the English Colonies on this Continent correspondent to the plan proposed by our nohle patriotick Sister Colony of Virginia (which in our opinion is a wise and salutary proposal) will not secure our threatned liberties, and restore that mutual harmony and con- fidence between the British Nation & the English Colonies, so im- portant to both especially the /ormer, which if rescinded from her Connections with this Contineht, must naturally fall a prey to her numerous & Jealous Neighbours. We have likewise the most san- guine expectations that a Union of Councils and Conduct among the Colonies will assuredly by the smiles of Heaven fix our Rights on such a solid basis, as may intimidate our implacable Enemies from any further attempts to invade them The aforegoing Report having been read & considered & the Question put — Whether the same shall be accepted & [448.] Be the Instiuctions to our Representatives — It was Voted, unani- mously that said Report be accepted, and printed in the several News Papers The Petition of a number of Inhabitants "That Kilby Street leading out of King Street, may be paved " — was read and con- sidered, and the Question put Whether the Town will pay One third part of the Charges whenever the Abutters are ready to pay the other two third part of the expence of paving said Street — Passed in the Affermative The Petition of a Number of Inhabitants, " that some proper methods may be devised and executed for paving, or otherwise effectually raising &, repairing South Street, was read and consid- ered, whereupon Voted, that said Petition be dismiss'd The Petition of John Erving Esq. &, others, " That the Street known by the Name of Pleasant Street may bo accepted of, and Recorded as a Town Street, the present Abutters consenting thereto, "was read and considered — And the Question put — Whether the prayer of the Petition shall be granted, and said Street accepted as a Town Street, and Recorded by the Name of Pleasant Street — Passed in the Affermative The Petition of M^ Samuel Ilolbrook Writing Master of the South School, which was referred over to this Meeting for con- sideration was read ; and after some debate it was Voted, that the same shall be considered at the Adjournment [449.] Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Tuesday next 3. O'clock P: M: and the Meeting was accordingly Ad- journed Tuesday May 11 3. O'Clock P:M: Met according to Adjourn- ment The Committee appointed to examine the Accompts of M'. David Jeffries Town Treasurer, have attended that service and find the same right cast, and well vouched in which he Charges Boston Town Records, 1773. 135 himself with sundry Fines Rents and other Incomes of the Town ; as also with the Tax of £6500 — all of which amounts to the sum of 13299 ,, 5 ,, 0|^ including the balance of Old Accompt And tbe said Treasurer discharges himself by sundry Abate- ments made the Collectors amounting to £1045 ,, 13 ,, 7 ,, by Drafts made by the Selectmen amounting to 2952 ,, 5 ,, 1^ of which he has paid £2759 ,, 12 ,, 8J — And by Drafts made by the Overseers of the Poor, which contain the Charges of the Alms- house, amounting to £3355 ,, 5 ,,11. of which he has paid £26^ ,, 8 ,, 1. Also by sundry Sums paid for Inierest amounting to £444 ,, 9 ,, 2, the whole amounting to £7797 ,, 13 ,, 9^ The said Committee have inspected said Drafts in a very par- ticular manner, and have examined the Vouchers produced by the Overseers of the Poor for the amount of their Drafts, in a very particular manner and every other branch of Public charge amounting in all as above to Seven thousand & seven hundred & ninety seven Pounds thirteen Shillings, and nine Pence half Penny [450.] As by Account of Town Treasury in Town Treas- urers Books ; Balance whereof being £5501 ,, 11 ,, 3. is carried to the Credit of New 'Accompt Which Report and Accompt being read. Voted, that the same be and hereby is accepted A Motion was made to refer the Grant of Moneys for Town Charges to an Adjournment, and that Notifications be issued for that purpose — And the Question being put — Passed in the Negative Voted, that the Sum of Seven Thousand Pounds be raised by a Tax upon Polls and Estates within this Town for Relief of the Poor, and defreying other necessary Charges arising within the Town the ensuing Year Committee relative to Manufactory Company having Reported ; a Motion was made that the Report be accepted, and that the remaining part of the Committee of tliat Company doing and com- plying with what is expressed in the Committees Report, shall be discharged by the Town from any demand the Town have upon them ; but this Motion being withdrawn it was then moved and Voted, that the further Consideration of this affair be referred over to the Adjournment of this Meeting ; if there should be an Adjournment ; otherwise to the next Town Meeting ; and that the Committee be desired to make further enquiry, and Report as soon as may be — — The Committee appointed to consider of some [451.] Proper Regulations for the security of the Lamps that are to be Erected in this Town, as also their Opinion of the fashion &". beg leave to Report and recommend to the Town — That a Committee be appointed to apply to the General Court as soon as may be for an Act impowering the Town to Erect, support and defend the Lamps, and to make such regulations as they shall think proper for the same The Committee are of opinion that white Globe Lamps will answer better that Square ones, being cheaper in the first cost, yeilding a better light, and less liable to be out of order 136 City Document No. 91. As there is no doubt the General Conrt will readily comply, with our reasonable request in making such Laws as shall be necessary, therefore recommend that the Committee appointed to Collect the Money subscribed by the InhabiLants be desired to compleat the same as soon as may be & deposite the same in the Town Treas- ury, ready for the order of the Committee, that may be appointed to purchase tlie Lamps and Erect them. If the Mone}' should be Collected soon its supposed the Lamps may be light next Fall As the proper placing the Lamps is of great importance for the convenience and elegance of the Town, it is recommended that two Persons dwelling in each Ward be chosen to attend the Committee when about to fix upon the place of such Lamp — All which is submitted by order of the Committee John Rowe Chairman The foregoing Report having been read & considered, the Ques- tion was put — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative It was then Voted, that The Representatives of the Town be a Committee to apply to the Ge-neral Court as soon as may be for an Act impowering the Town to Erect support & defend the Lamps agreed upon, & for such other Regulations as they may think proper — Also [453.] Voted, that the following Persons - - Viz' Wards M''. Edward Payne - - - - Deacon Jonathan Brown - - 1 Newman Grenough Esq. - - Cap'. Fortesque Vernon - - 2 M''. John Leach John Tudor Esq. - - - - 3 M^ Paul Reveire Cap'. Edward Procter - - 4 Ezekiel Goklth wait Esq. - - JVP. Thomas Hutchinson Jr. - 5 John Barret Esq. . - - - Cap'. John Bradford- - - 6 Cap'. John Homer - - - - Cup'. Job Prince - - - - 7 Joseph Jackson Esq. - - - William Cooper - - - - 8 Daniel Hubbard Esq. - - - JohnAmory 9 M-". Daniel Waldo - - - - Maf. Adi no Paddock - - - 10 Deacon Beuj. Church - - - J\P. John Sweetser- - - - 11 Deacon Caleb Davis - - - - M'. Thomas Amory - - - 12 Be appointed and desired to attend the Committee on Lamps when about to fix upon the Places for Erecting said Lamps It was further Voted, that John Rowe P]sq and others the Com- mittee on Lamps who have made the foregoing Report be desired to purchase the number of Lamps Voted Ijy the Town, and to Erect them in suitable Places Upon a Motion made and Voted, that Thomas Daws Esq. Thomas Gray Esq. be added to the Committee for purchasing Lamps &" — also Voted, that Ezekial Goldthwait Esq. John Adams Esq. Samuel Quincy Esq. be a Committee to make draught of a Bill for regulating Lamps &". which draft they are desired to hand into the Representatives of this Town as soon as possible Boston Town Records, 1773. 137 The Committee appointed to consider the Petition [453.] Of a number of the Inhabitants " that Sea Street may be thoroughly repaired," Report — That they have attended that service and upon searching the Records, find that on the 31. of October 1683 — the Town laid out the Street within mentioned of fifty feet in wedth, and ut the same time granted, all the Flatts and Lands be- low said High Way into the Sea, unto the Proprietors of the Lauds, who were Abutters on said Way in an equal proportion to their several fronts on said Ways ; always provided that said Proprie- tors & Abutters maintain in good Repair the said Way at their proper cast and charge — The Committee also find that on 21. of May 1736. on the Petition of the Proprietors and Inhabitants of Laud in said Sea Street, the Town then reduced the wedth of said Street from fifty feet as it was originally laid out, to thirty five Feet the present wedth thereof, but upon this Condition that the same Street be kept and maintained in good Repair, open free and unincumbred at the proper cost and charge of the Proprie- tors and Abutters on said Street for the use of the Town forever — By this reduction of the wedth of the Street, the Proprietors of the Lands there had a great addition made to the value of their Estates, and are therefore under a double obligation (as the Com- mittee apprehend) to keep and maintain the same in good Repair at their own cost and charge, and upon their default herein. All the Lands and Flatts below said Street of thirty five Feet in wedth, must revert to the Town and as some parts of it are much out of repair, the Town will take such steps thereupon as may be Judged necessary In the Name of the Committee EZEKIAL GOLDTHWAIT The foregoing Report having been read and debate had tliereon, the Question was put — " Whether the Town will accept of said Report — Passed in the Affermative [454,] A Motion made that the Selectmen be directed to ap- ply to proper Persons for the Repairs of Sea Street which are now in such a condition as to be liable to a presentment, and that they dispose of so much of the forfeited Flatts &c. as shall be sufficient to defrc}' the charge of Repairs &''. — but the Question not being put It was Voted, that the further consideration of the methods to be taken with the delinquent Abutters for the putting said Street in good Repair be referred to the Adjournment Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Fryday the 14. In- stant 3. O'clock P: M: And the Meeting was accordingly Ad- journed — — Friday 14. of May 3. O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjourn- ment M'. Samuel Adams the Moderator of this Meeting having ae- quaintf^d the Town in writing, that he was prevented by indispo- sition of Body from attending his duty at the Meeting, the Town proceeded to the choice of another Moderator, and the Votes being brought in and sorted, it appeared, that William Phillips Esq. was chosen 138 City Document No. 91. t Voted, that the Selectmen be and they hereby are appointed to act upon the List of Jurors The Committee appointed "to view the Neck and consider of the best method to secure the same, as also of the Sum which will be necessary for this purpose " — Report [455 .] That having viewed the Premisses, and considered what Repairs are necessary, and what would be the cost thereof, Your Committee are of Opinion, that to repair the breach made on the East side of the Neck in a proper & effectual manner, would oc- casion a very great Expence, while the advantages arising from it will be but triffling ; and altliough it continues in its present state, it is, probable that very little of the Land will be diminished ; As to the damage which may be done to the payment, by any extraoi'- dinary high Tides a Triffling Expence may from time to time repair the same, untill the Circumstances of the Town will better allow of, a thorough Repair to the Dam &". With respect to the West side of the Neck we think it necessary in order to prevent the Land from being washed away and the Pavement greatly injured, thatthjre be a Stone Wall laid to extend about 40 or 50 Rod from the Stone Wall now at the West side close along by the Towns Lands which will be a sufficient security to the Land and pavement on that side the Neck, the Expence whereof may be about One hundred Pounds lawful Money, — In behalf of the Committee John Scollay Chairman The foregoing Report having been read, and debate had thereon, the Question was put — • '' Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Negative It was then moved and seconded, that the Selectmen be desired to make such Repairs for the security of that part of the Neck proposed in said Report to be secured as to them may appear ab- solutely necessar}^ provided the Expence does not exceed. Fifty Pounds lawful Mony The foregoing Motion was withdrawn, and a Motion made to re- consider the Vote for not accepting the Report of [456.] The Committee on Boston Neck, whereupon it was Voted that the same be Re-considered, and that the Report of said Committee be ac- cepted, and the Gentlemen the Selectmen desired to carry said Re- port into execution The Committee appointed " to examine the Books of the late Linnen Manufactory Company so called, they consenting thereto ; and to ascertain the amount of Stock in their hands, when the Company discontinued the Manufactory, and also to take an ac- count of the Utensils then in their possession and the value of the same" — Reported, That after the best enquiry they have been able to make they cannot find the same Companys Books, and therefore cannot ascertain the facts as directed I)y the Town, ex- cepting from a Memorandum taken from the Books formerly by M^ Edward Payne which is now offered to the Town The Committee beg leave to inform the Town that there are in the hands and at the disposal of the Survivors of said Company two Stocking Looms, one Cauldron, and some Worsted Combs be- Boston Town Records, 1773. 139 sides other Utensils said to be in the hands of M'". John Brown, valued as follows Viz'. 2 Stocking Looms - - - - - - £20 — a Cauldron ---------8 — Worsted Combs 2 pair- ----- 2 — £30 Balance in the hands of ) the Managers- - - j 89 ,, 5 ,, 6^ . £119 „5 „ 4 Sundry other Articles to a considerable value belonging to the Manufactory, which the Managers will do all in their power to put the Town in possession of The foregoing Report having been read & considered [4 5 7. J The Question was put, Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative It was also Voted, That upon Andrew Oliver, Thomas Hubbard & Sylvester Gardner Esq", the only surviving Persons that signed the Note for the Sum of £1291 ,, 10 ,, 6 , oiher Goverments Money in Bills of the Old Tenor, lent by the Town the 10*. of May ] 753 — paying the Sum of Money mentioned in the Right of the late Linnen Manufactory Company in & to all the Utensils that still remains or any ways belong to said Persons for the sole use and benefit of the Town, and also that they will assist the Town in procuring said Utensils or the value thereof to the utmost of their power, in such case the Treasurer is hereby directed upon receiving said Moneys and Assignments to deliver to them the Note aforesaid, the Town accepting the same as a full discharge thereof Upon a Motion made and seconded, the following Resolve passed — Nem Cont. Whereas it has been Reported that certain Persons Justly obnoxious to this Town and Province are to be invited to Dine with the Governor and Council on the ensuing Anniversary Elec- tion^ Day in this Hail ; Be it Resolved and an Instruction to the Gentlemen the Selectmen, that if a Committee of his Majestys Council shall apply to them for the use of this Hall, to dine in, they consent upon these express Conditions, that neither the Commissioners of the Customs and their Attendants, nor Officers of the Army & Navy, Stationed here for the purpose of inforcing unconstitutional Acts of Parliament by Military Execution, be invited — it being utterly against the inclination of the Town, that even one Person who has rendered himself enemical to the Rights of [458.] America should be admitted into the Hall upon such an Occasion It was Voted, that the Gentlemen the Selectmen be directed to wait upon the Chairman of the Committee of Council, and leave with him a Copy of said Vote Upon a Motion made and seconded Voted, that M'. William Mollineux be asked by the Treasurer for the Monys due from him to the Town Voted, that the Sum of One Hundred & twenty Pounds, be 140 City Document No. 91. allowed and paid nnto M''. John Level, for his Salary as Master of the South Grammar School, for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last Quarter Voted that the Sum of One Hundred & twenty Pounds be allowed and paid unto M^ Samuel Hunt for his Salary as Master of the North Grammar School, for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last Quarter Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid unto M"". John Procter for his Salary as M ister of the Writ- ing School in Queen Street for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due and to commence at the expiration of the last Quarter Voted, that the Sum of One hunrlred Pounds be allowed and paid unto M'. Samuel Holbrook for his Salary as Master of the "Writing School in the Common for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall [459.] become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last Quarterr Voted, that tlie Sura of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid unto M'. John Tileston, for his Salarj' as Master of the Writing School at the North End for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last Quarter Voted, that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed & paid un*o M^ James Lovel, for his Salary as Usher of the South Grammar School, for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due and to commence at the expiration of the last Quarter Voted, that the further Sum of Forty Pounds be allowed and paid unto M''. James Lovel, as an encouragement for him to re- main and exert himself in the service of the Town the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last Quarter Voted, that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allowed and paid unto M^ James Carter for his Salary as Usher of the Writing School in Queen Street the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due and to commence at the expiration of the last Quarter Voted, that a further Sum of Twenty five Pounds be allowed and paid unto M'. James Carter above his Salary as Usher of the Writing School in Queen Street, as an encouragement for him to exert himself in the service of the Town the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, and to com- mence at the expiration of the last Quarter [460.] Voted, that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allowed and paid to sni'h Person as the Selectmen shall appoint an Assistant for the Master of the Writing School in the Common the Year ensuing the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last Quarter Voted, that the Sum of Thirty four Pounds be allowed and paid unto M"". John Tileston Master of the North Writing School, for Boston Town Records, 1773. 141 providing an Assistant the Year ensuing, the same to be paid hitn quai'terly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expira- tion of the Inst Quarter Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid out of the Town Treasury unto M'. David Jeffries for his ser- vices as Treasurer of the Town the Year past, and for all his Expences in that office. Voted, that the Town Treasurer be and he hereby is directed and iinpowered to allow the several Schoolmasters Interest on the Sums due to them, from the dates of their Warrants to the time of payment Upon a Motion made and seconded Voted, That the Assessors he directed, that as soon as they receive the Warrant from the Province and County Treasurers they set about and compleat tlie Tax upon t>he Inhabitants Upon a Motion made Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to Major Thomas Daws for his good and faithful services as a Fire Ward for several Years past Upon a Motion made Voted, that the [461.] Representatives of the Town be and they hereby are Instructed to move the Hon'"'®, the House of Representatives immediately after the next General Election of Councillors that the Representatives of all the Towns in this Province do recommend it to the severa ITowns which they Represent. To Assess a Sum of Money upon the In- habitants of the Town sufHcient for the payment of their propor- tion of the cost and charge of an Agent or Agents which are or may be imployed in the service of the Province Upon a Motion made, Ordered that the Vote lately passed re- specting the Commissioners &". be printed in the several public News Papers The Petitions of M'. Samuel Holbrook and M"" Fenno, were read, and after debate had thereon, it was Voted, that they have leave to withdraw said Petitions Voted, that all Matters and Tilings which remain unfinished at this Meeting be referred over to the next General Town Meeting, to be then considered of and acted upon Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town, be and hereby are given to M"" Samuel Adams and William Phillips Esq. who have both acted as Moderators for their good services at this Meeting Then the Meeting was dissolved [462.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in publick Tcwn Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Fryday the 5*. Day of November Anno Domini 1773. at 10 O'Clock A : M : Warrant for calling the Meeting ------ read The Town were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, and upon sorting them it appear'd that the Hon"^'^. John Hancock Esq. was chosen The Petition of a large number of the Inhabitants setting forth — " That they are Justly alarmed at the Report that the East India 142 City Document No. 91. Company in London are about shipping a Cargo or Cargos of Tea into this and the other Colonies, and that they esteem it a political plan of the British Administration whereby they have reason to fear not only that the trade upon which they depend for a subsist- ence is threatned to be totally destroyed ; but what is much more than anything in life to be dreaded, the Tribute laid upon the impor- tation of that Article will be fixed and established, and our liber- ties for which we have long struggled, will be lost to them and their Posterity ; and therefore praying that the sence of the matter may be taken, and such steps pursued as to their safety and well being shall appertain " was read and debate had thereon A number of printed Hand Bills, called " The Tradesmen^ Pro- test against the Proceedings of th". Merchints relative to the new Im- portations of Tea'' [483.] Having been seen to be distributed in the Hall a Motion was made that one of said Papers be read to the Inhabitants, and said Hand Bill havins: been accordiuo-ly read one of the Inhabitants openly declared that he saw Charles Pax- ton one of the Commissioners of the Customs, giving them away tlie Day before in Kings Street — It was then moved that the Tradesmen present might collect by themselves on the South side of the Hall, that their Sense of the Paper might be taken.— ^^ — Then the Question was put to those Tradesmen " Whether they acknowledge the said paper called, '■'•The Tradesmens Protest" which passed in the Negative, unanimously — there being in the estimation of the Town at least four hundred Tradesmen present in the Meeting A Motion was then made and the Question accordingly put to those Tradesmen — Whether they do now detest as false scanda- lous, and bace the said Paper & the Person known to have distrib- uted it — Viz'. Charles Paxton and all others who have distributed the same, and the Printer thereof. Viz'. E. Russell — which passed in the Affermative, unanimously The Town entered again into the consideration of the subject matter of the Warrant, and debated largely on the nature and ten- dency of the Project for introducing Tea into the Colonies to be disposed of by Commissioners appointed by the East India Com- pany It was then moved that if any Gentlemen in Trade present or any otlier Inhabitant had anything to offer shewing that the intro- duction of Tea in the manner projected would not be detrimental to the Interest of the People in general as well as to the Mercan- tile & Trading part of the Colonies ; that they would now do it, & what they offered should be treated with candor [464,] But no one Inhabitant did offer anything in favor of said Project After due deliberation the Town came into the following Reso- lutions Neni Cont — Viz'. Whereas it appears by an Act of the British Parliament passed in the last Sessions, that the East India Company are by the said Act allowed to export their Teas into America, in such Quantities as the Lord of the Treasury shall Judge proper : And some People with an evil intent to amuse the People, and others thro' : inatten- tion to the true design of the Act, have so construed the same, as Boston Town Eecords, 1773. 143 that the Tribute of three Pence on every Pound of Tea is not to be enacted by the detestable Task Masters there — Upon the due consideration thereof, liesoloed, That the Sense of the Town can- not be better expressed on this Occasion, than in the words of cer- tain Judicious Resolves lately entered into by our worthy Brethren the Citizens of Philadelpliia — wherefore Resolved, that the disposal of their own property is the Inherent Right of Freemen ; that there can be no property in that which another can of right take from us without our consent ; that the Claim of Parliament to tax America, is in other words a claim of Right to buy Contributions on us at pleasure 2^. That the Duty imposed by Parliament upon Tea landed in America, is a tax on the Americans, or levying Contributions on them without their consent 3*^. That the express purpose for which the Tax is levied on the Americans, namely for the support of Government, the Adminis- tration of Justice, and ihe defence of His Majestys Dominions in America, has a direct tendency to render Assemblies useless, and to introduce Arbitrary Government and Slavery [465.] 4*. That a virtuous and steady opposition to the Ministerial Plan of governing America, is absolutely necessary to presei've even the shadow of Liberty, and is a duty which every Freeman in America owes to his Country to himself and to his Posterity 5"\ That the Resolutions lately come by the East India Com- pany, to send out their Teas to America Subject to the payment of Duties on its being landed here, is an open attempt to enforce the Ministerial Plan, and a violent attack upon the Liberties of America 6*. That it is the Duty of every American to oppose this at- tempt 7"^, That whoever shall directly or indirectly countenance this attempt, or in any wise aid or abet in unloading receiving or vend- ing the Tea sent or to be sent out by the East India Company while it remains subject to the payment of a duty here is an Enemy to America 8'". That a Committee be immediately chosen to wait on those Gentlemen, who it is reported are appointed by the East India Com- pany to receive and sell said Tea, and to request them from a regard to their own characters and the peace and good order of this Town and Province immediately to resign their appointment — And the following Gentlemen — Viz*. The Moderator M"" Henderson Inches Benjamin Austin Esq. M'. Jonathan Mason and the Selectmen of the Town are appointed a Committee accord- ingly At the same time the Town passed the following Resolve — Viz*. [406.] Whereas, the Merchants of this Continent did enter into an Agreement to withhold the importation of Tea untili the Duty 144 City Document No. 91. laid thereon should be repealed ; which Agreement as we are in- formed has been punctually observed by the respectable Mer- chants in the Southern Colonies, while by reason of the peculiar circumstances attending the trade of this Place some quantities tho very small in proportion to what had been usual before said Agreement have been imported by some of the Merchants here ; And whereas it now appears probable to this Town, that the British Administration have taken encouragement even from such small Importations, to grant Licenses to the East India Companv as aforesaid — Therefore Resolved, That it is the determination of this Town, by all means in their power to prevent the Sales of the Tea imported by the East India Company : And as the Mer- chants here have generally opposed the Measure, it is the Just ex- pectation of the Inhabitants of this Town, that no one of them will on any pretence whatever, import any Tea that shall be liable to pay the duty, from this time ; and untill the Act imposing the same shall be repealed Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned 'till 3 O'Clock in the Afternoon ■ 3 O'clock. P : M : Town met according to adjournment The Committee appointed for the purpose Reported to the Town — That they had waited on Richard Clark Esq. and Sons, and Benjamin Faneuil Esq. said to be Factors of the East India Company, and communicated to them the Vote of the Town whereby they were requested immediately to [467.] Resign their appointment. And the said Gentlemen informed the Com- mittee that as Messieurs Thomas and Elisha Hutchinson (who were also Reported to be Factors to the said Company) were at Milton, and not expected in Town till Saturday Evening, and as they chose to consult them, they could not return an answer lo the Town, till Monday Morning It was then moved and Voted, unanimously, that M"'. Samuel Adams. M^ William Mollineux D'' Joseph Warren be a Committee to repair unto Mess". Clark Faneuil & Winslow tliose of the Tea Consignees said to be in Town, and acquaint them that as they were not Joint Factors for the East India Com- pany with the Hutchinsons, it was supposed they could determine for themselves, and therefore it was the expectation of the Town, that they return an immediate answer to the Message The Committee appointed to repair to the Tea Consignees in Town — Re()orted, that an answer might be expected from them in half an hour — they also informed that M'. Winslow was not in Town A Motion was then mide " that a Committee be appointed to repair to Milton and acquaint Mess" Thomas & Elisha Hutchinson, with the request of the Town, that they immediately I'esign their appointment — And the Hon**'®. John Hancock Esq. M'. John Pitts M'. Samuel Adams D'. Joseph Warren, M'. William Powell & M'. Nathaniel Appleton, were appointed a Committee for that pur- pose Boston Town Records, 1773. 145 M'. Ezekiel Russell came into Town Meeting, & asked leave to speak — He then acquainted the Town tliat he was the Printer of the Paper called the Tradesmen's Prutest against the Merchants, & that he was paid for the same by the Person who [468.] Em- ployed him, — this Information was not given at the desire of the Town ; it being their sense, that as a Town thej' had nothing to do with the Printer or Author of the said Paper A Motion was made that M"'. Barrett who attends upon the Select- men might be directed to acquaint Mess". Clarke and Faneuil, that the Town were impatiently waiting for an answer to their last Message — — Before M^ Barrett could proceed a Letter was brought into the Hall, signed by Richard Clark & Son, & Benjamin Faneuil for him- self and Joshua Winslow, and directed to the Moderator to be communicated to the Town — Viz'. Boston November 5. 1773 Sir It is impossible for us to comply with the request of the Town, signified to us this Day by their Committee, as we know not what terms the Teas if any part of it should be sent to our care, will come out on, and what obligations either of a moral or pecuniary nature we may be under to fuUfill the trust that may be devolved on us. When we ax'e acquainted with these Circumstances we shall be better qualified to give a definitive answer to the request of the Town "We are Sir Your most humble Serv* Richard Clark & Sons Benjamin Faneuil Jun*. for To himself & Josh"^. W^inslow — The Hon'''^ John Hancock Esq. Moderator of a Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall This Letter was read, and a Motion then made and the Question accordingly put — " Whether the same be satisfactory to the Town — Passed in the Negative Nemini Contradicente [469.] The Meeting was then Adjourned "■ till the next Day at 11. O'clock to receive the Report of the Commitee appointed to wait on Mess". Ilutchinsons Satturday 11. O'Clock A : M : The Town met by Adjournment (the Meeting still continuing very full) The Committee appointed to wait upon the Mess". Hutchinsons at Milton — Reported — That they had enquired the last Evening and this Morning at the House of Elish Hutchinson Esq. in this Town, and were informed that those Gentlemen were at Milton ; the Committee proceeded this Morning to Milton and callifig at the Governors Seat were informed that only M"". Elisha Hutchinson lodged there the last Night, who had set out early this Morning for Boston ; on their return they called at his House, and were told 146 City Document No. 91. that he had been at home this Morning but had again set off for Milton — they then went to the House of Thomas Hutchinson Esq. who was then at home, where they read and delivered to him an attested Copy of the Towns Vote, when he acquainted the Commit- tee, that the Town might expect his answer in one quarter of an Hour The following Letter was soon af ler sent into the Moderator, signed Thomas Hutchinson, which was read, viz'. Sir I have nothing relative to the Teas referred to in the request or Vote of the Town, except that one of my Friends has signified to me by Letter, that part of it he had reason to believe would be Consigned to me and my Brother Jointly, but upon what terms he could not then say — — Under these circumstances I can give no other answer to the Town, at present, then that if the Teas should arrive & we should be appointed Factors, we shall then be sufflcienth' informed to answer the request of the Town — I am for my Brother & self Sir Your humble Servant Hon'''^. John Hancock Esq. T. Hutchinson Jun*. Moderator of a Town Meet^. now Assembled at Fauueil Hall — ^ — [4:70.] This Letter being read a Motion was made and the Question accordingly put — ' ' Whether the same be satisfactory to the Town " — which passed in the Negative Neminie C'otUra- dicente A Motion was then made that the Question be put — " Whether it is not the Sense of the Town, that the Letter signed Richard Clark &. Son, Benjamin Faneuil for self & Joshua Wins- low, and also the Letter signed Thomas Hutchinson, for himself & Brother, which had been both read, were not Daringly Affrontice to the Town" — And the Question being accordingly put — It passed in the Affermative, Nem. Con. Upon a Motion made it was Voted, That the Committee of Cor- respondence for this Town, be and they hereby are directed to transmit the Transactions of this Meeting to every Town in the Province A Motion was then made, that the Thanks of the Town be given to the Hon"^. John Hancock Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for the dispatch he has given to the Business thereof — but the Motion was objected to by himself and M"". Adams, and it seemed to be the sense of the Town, that a Vote of Thanks should be only given upon very special and signal services performed for the Publick The Town having gone through the Business mentioned in the Notification, it was moved that this Meeting be immedi.'.tely dis- [471.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in publick Boston Town Records, 1774. 147 Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Thursday the IS"*. Day of November Anno Domini 1774 Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - read The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Moderator, of this Meeting, & the same being brought in and sorted, it appeared, that The Hon'''''. John Hancock Esq. was chosen Moderator of the Meeting by a unanimous Vote The Petition of a Number of Inhabitants setting forth — That whereas at the late Meeting of the Town their Committee applyed to Mess" : Richard Clarke as supposed Consignees of Teas to be exported by the East India Company to this Port, who then de- clined giving satisfaction to the Town who requested their resigna- tion of said Commission, assigning for reason that they were not sufficiently" informed upon what terms the Teas would come out on — the Town being now Justly & highly alarmed with the hourly expectation of the arrival of said Teas ; and apprehending that said Consignees are now thoroughly appraised of the Conditions upon which the India Company are exporting this detestable Com- modity into America ; Request that the Town may as soon as possible be called together to consult whether further application shall be made to said Consignees or otherwise to act as the Town shall think proper on the present dangerous and alarming exi- gence." was read and duly considered [473.] Upon a Motion made Voted, That a Committee be appointed upon the Tea Consignees again and let them know that when they were last waited upon by a Committee of the Town, they informed the Town that they could not then give a direct answer to the Town, not having received any certain advice rela- tive to tlie Teas — but as it is now supposed by the Town that since the arrival of Cap'. Scott they are informed relative thereto ; therefore the Town now request an immediate and direct answer — Whether they would Resign their Appointments as Tea Con- signees — also Voted that John Scollay Esq. ColP. Thomas Marshall M^ Oliver Wendell M^ John Pitts M"^. Samuel Adams Jonathan Williams Esq. M--. William Whitwell be and hereby are appointed a Committee for the purpose The foregoing Committee Reported — That they had in pur- suance of the Order of the Town waited upon the Tea Consignees, whom the}^ found at the Province House and delivered the Mes- sage and also left with them an Attested Copy of the Town Vote ; that those Gentleman then desired them to inform the Town, that as it was then near One — O'Clock, they could not give an imme- diate answer, but that the Town might expect one by 3 O'Clock Upon a Motion made Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3. O'clock P:M: 148 City Document No. 91. [473.] 3 O'clock P: M: The Town met according to Ad- journment The following Letter from the Tea Consignees was this After- noon upon the first opening of the Meeting, handed in to the Moderator Boston Novem^ 18. 1774 Sir In answer to the Message we have this Day received from the Town, we beg leave to say, that we have not yet received any Or- ders from the East India Company, respecting the expected Teas, but we are now further acquainted that our Friends in England have entered into penal engagements in our behalf, meerly of a Commercial nature ; which puts it out of our power to comply with the request of the Town We are Sir Your most humble Servants EicHARD Clark & Sons, Benj"^. Faneuil Jun^. for Self & Joshua Winslow Esq, Elisua Hutchinson for my Hon'''^ John Hancock Esq. Brother and Self Moderator of a Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall This Letter was read, and a Motion then made & the Question accordingly put — " Whether the same be satisfactory to the Town — Passed in the Negative Nem* Cont." A Motion made that this Meeting be immediately dissolved^ — And the Meeting was accordingly dissolved [474.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi- tants of the Town of Boston, duely qualified & legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Saturday the 5* Day of March Anno Domini 1774 Warrant for calling the Meeting ------- read M^ Samuel Adams was chosen Moderator of this Meeting by a written Vote The Committee appointed by the Town the 5* of March last, to apply to a proper Grentleman, to deliver an Oration the 5*. of March instant, to perpetuate the Memory of the Horrid Massacre perpetrated on the Evening of the Fifth of March 1770 by a Party of Soldiers, under the Order and Eye of Captain Thomas Preston of the 29"". Regiment — Reported " That having met together several Times for the Purpose men- tioned in the Town's Vote they had unanimously made Choice of the Hon'''^ John Hancock Esq^ to deliver an Oration on the 5"". of March instant, who had accordingly accepted of that Service." The above Report having been read by D^ Warren Chairman of the Committee, the question was put — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the affirmative unanimously Boston Town Records, 1774. 149 Upon a Motion made, the Town took into Consideration, what would be the best Time to have the Oration pronounced, as also what Place would be most suitable for the Purpose — Where- upon Voted, That the Oration be delivered at Twelve O'Clock, at the Old South Meeting House, the Hall not being capacious enough to receive the Inhabitants [475.] That attend upon the Occasion; the Committee of that Society having upon Application, consented that the Meeting-House should be made Use of for this Service. Voted, That D\ Joseph Warren John Scollay Esq'. Jonathan Williams Esqu be a Committee to wait upon the Hon'''®. John Hancock Esq*", and acquaint him. That it is the Desire of the Town, that the Oration may be delivered at the Old South Meeting House, at Twelve O'clock, this Forenoon Upon a Motion made, Voted, That this Meeting be adjourned to the Old South Meeting House, 12 O'Clock The Town met according to Adjournment at the Old South Meeting House, 12 O'Clock The Com"^*^ appointed to wait upon Col\ Hancock to acquaint him with the Vote of the Town respecting the Time and Place for delivering of an Oration Reported that said Gentlemen was ready to comply with the Orders of the Town made known to him by their Committee An Oration to commemorate the Horrid Massacre of the Fifth of March 1770, and to impress the Minds of the Citizens with the ruinous Tendency of Standing Armies, being placed in free & populous Cities &*^ was delivered by the Hon**'^. John Hancock Esq"", to a large and crowded Audience and received by them with great Applause. Upon a Motion made & seconded. Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be, & hereby are given to the Hon*"'®. John Hancock Esq. for the elegant and spirited Oration deliver'd by him at their Request, in Commemora- tion of the horrid Massacre perpetrated on the Evening of the 5"*. of March 1770 by a Party of Soldiers of [476.] The 29"^. Regi- ment, under the Command of Captain Thomas Preston — Also Voted, that M^ Samuel Adams Moderator D^ Joseph Warren William Phillips Esq'. D'. Benjamin Church John Adams Esq'. M'. William MoUineux Samuel Pemberton Esq', be and hereby are appointed a Committee to wait upon Col'. Han- cock & in the Name of the Town to require of him a Copy of the said Oration for the Press Upon a Motion made & seconded, • Voted that the Hon*"'". John Hancock Esq'. M'. Samuel Adams Moderator D'. Joseph Warren 150 City Document No. 91. M'. John Brown Samuel Pemberton Esq'. John Adams Esq^ D"". Benjamin Church M^ John Pitts John ScoUay Esq"^. be and hereby are appointed a Committee to apply to a proper Gentleman to deliver an Oration on the fifth of March next to perpetuate the Memory of the horrid Massacre perpetrated on the Evening of the 5*. of Marcli 1770 by a Party of Soldiers of the 29'*'. Regiment, under the Comand of Capt. Thomas Preston. — And to impress upon our Minds the ruinous Tendency of standing Armies being placed in free & populous Cities in a Time of Peace : And the Necessity of such noble Exertions in all future Times, as [47 7.] The Inhabitants of the Town then made whereby the Designs of the Conspirators against the Public Liberty may be still frustrated. Upon a Motion made Voted, that there be a Collection made in this Meeting, for M''. Christopher Monk, a young Man now lan- guishing under a Wound receiv'd in his Lungs, by a Shot from Preston's Bloody Party of Soldiers on 5*^. March 1770. A Collection for M"". Monk was made accordingly, which amounted to the Sum of Three Hundred and Nineteen Pounds 13/3 old Tenor, & the same by Order of the Town, was lodged with the Select Men for the Use of the said Monk. Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be, & hereby are given to M"". Samuel Adams, Moderator of the Meeting for his good Service. Then the Meeting was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in public Town Meeting, assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday 14^. day of March 1774 Prayer was made by the Rev*. D'. Eliot Warrant for calling the Meeting — read. Sundry Laws enjoined to be read at the Meeting were accord- ingly read, The lion""". John Hancock Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting, but by Indisposition prevented giving his Attendance — The Town then brought in their Votes for another Moderator, & upon .Sorting them it appeared that the Hon'''®. [478.] Thomas Cushing Esq. was chosen. M'. William Cooper was chosen Town-Clerk for the Year ensu- ing, & took the Oath of Office for the faithful Discharge of his Duty, which Oath was administred to him by M"". Justice Hill. The Town proceeded to the Choice of Seven Selectmen, & the Votes being brought in & sorted, it appeared that John Scollay Esq. Hon'''''. John Hancock Esq. M^ Timothy Newell Col. Thomas Marshall Boston Town Kecords, 1774. 151 M''. Samuel Austin M^ Oliver Wendell M'. John Pitts were chosen Select Men for the Year ensuing The Town brought in their Votes for Twelve Overseers of the Poor, & upon sorting them it appeared that John Barrett Esq. William Phillips Esq. ]VP. Benj''. Dolbear M^ Will'" Whitwell IVP. Will™. Greenleaf W" White Esq. John Leverett Esq. John Gore Esq. Cap'. Samuel Partridge M''. Samuel Whitwell M^ Samuel Abbot M^ Daniel Waldo were chosen Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing The Town brought in their Votes for Twelve Wardens, and upon sorting them it appeared, that [479.] Francis Green Esq. M''. Ebenezer Sever M"'. Thomas Crafts (excused) Cap'. Samuel Doggett M''. John Amory (excused) M*". P!ibenezer Hancock M"". Joseph Callender (excused) M"". Thomas Kimble M"". John Clough (excused) M^ George Bright M'. William McNeil M'. William Daws Jun"". (excused) were chosen Wardens for the Year ensuing — see page The Town brought in their Votes for Sixteen Fire- Wards, and upon sorting them it appeared, that John Scollay Esq. Newman Greenough Esq. M^ William Cooper Col. Thomas Marshall M'. Joseph Tyler Major Adino Paddock Cap'. Benjamin Waldo The Hon'''"'. John Hancock Esq. M^ Samuel Adams Cap'. Martin Gay Francis Shaw Esq. Capt. Job Prince Capt. Edward Procter M^ John Coffin Capt. John Pulling Deacon Caleb Davis were chosen Fire-Wards for the Year ensuing 152 City Document No. 91. The Inbabitants bro't in their Votes for a Town Treasurer, and upon sorting them it appeared, that [480.] M^ David Jeffries was chosen Town Treasurer for the Year ensuing Upon a Motion made, Voted, that the Choice of a County- Treasurer be referr'd to 4 O'CIock P. M. and the Choice of Con- stables to 3 O'clock P. M. Adjourned to 3 O'CIock in the Afternoon 3 O'clock P. M. Town met according to Adjournment. Upon a Motion made and seconded, the Question was put — Whether Collectors of Taxes should be chosen, seperate fi"om Constables — Passed in the Afflimative Voted, that the Sum of Five Pounds be remitted out of the Ten Pounds Fine to such Persons as shall be chose into the Office of Constable for the Year ensuing, and shall decline serving. The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Twelve Constables ; The Persons chose into that Office are Mess". Augustus Hail Stephen Symmes John Ben net George Thomas Thomas Bell Joseph Joye John Coverly William Told John Ham matt Samuel Greanleaf Matthew Nazro John Wells Votes for a County Treasurer brought in, and being sealed up in Town Meeting, were delivered to M"". Constable Bennet, for him to return to the Court of Sessions, at their next Meeting [481.] Mess" Richard Billings Andrew Brimmer Samuel Parkman Thomas Melvil Joshua Blanchard jun'. John Barrett jun''. Benjamin Hammett jun''. Duncan Ingraham jun"^ John Coffin Jones James Swan excused David Sears ----- excused Daniel Bill were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing — see Page 24*. Voted, that the Sum of Twelve Pence on the Pound be & here- by is allowed to such Persons, as sh;ill be chose Collectors of Tax- es for the Year ensuing, for all such Sums as they shall collect, provided they pay into the several Treasuries the whole Sum com- mitted to them to collect, on or before the Tenth Day of August Boston Town Records, 1774. 153 1774 — Eight Pence on the Pound on all such other Sums as they shall have so paid into said Treasuries, on or before the 20"^. Day of December 1774 — And Four Pence on the Pound upon the Remainder of the Sums they shall be obliged to collect, pro- vided such Remainder shall be fully paid in, on or before the Second Monday in March 1775 — This Premium, as above ex- pressed to be just & equitable, & an ample Allowance to the Col- lectors to encourage them to discharge their Duty with Diligence & Fidelity ; provided also that each of said Collectors give Bond with sufficient Sureties to the Satisfaction of the Selectmen, for the faithful Discharge of their Duty in said Office ; and complying with this Vote. The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Four Collectors of Taxes, and upon sorting them it appeared, that Mess". Edward Hollyday Abraham Savage Benjamin Henderson Benjamin Gray — were chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing. Voted, that the Assessors be, & hereby are impowered to set for Abatement of such Taxes, as they shall judge reasonable, on every Wednesday untill the last Wednesday in April inclusive, & no longer, save that they be allowed to set the Two last Weeks in November, for the Abatement of the Taxes of such Persons, as had not an Opportunity of applying in the above limited Time, by reason of their being out of the Province, at which Time also they are allowed & impowered, to abate the Taxes of such Persons as may have died insolvent between the said last Wednesday in April & last Day of November. sent The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Seven Assesors, & upon sorting them it appear'd that M''. Benjamin Church M^ Daniel Parker Deacon Jonathan Brown Gyles Harris Esq. Capt. Samuel Downe M'. William Lowder were chose Assessors for the Year ensuinar see page 26. M'. John Gray was chosen a Surveyor of Hemp for the Year ensuing Mess". William Nichols Andrew Syms Clement Collins Henry Allen Isaac Vergoose John Grenough Jacob Thayer Joseph Edmunds Richard Walker John Champney 154 City Document No. 91. John Bulfinch jun'. Abraham Howard [483.] Joseph Butler Joseph Ayres Thomas Bayley Andrew Town send Joseph Ballard John Holland John Rogers Edmund Ranger Thomas Uran Elisha Homes Obediah Low Benjamin Page Clement Collins jun'. Donely Wing Henry Blaisdell Abraham Rogers Benjamin White were chose Surveyors of Boards for the Year ensuing see Page 24 Mess". John Joy Obadiah Low Samuel Dyer John Dyer William Crafts were chose Fence-Viewers for the Year ensuing Mess"' Samuel Bangs Joseph Clark Daniel Parks Benjamin Bass Thomas Noland were chose Surveyors of Leather for the Year ensuing Mess". Thomas Edes Adam Colson were chose Informers of Deer for the Year ensuing. — [484.] Mess". Peter Cotta. Menasseh Masters Joseph Dyer John Has kins David Spear Jonathan Jenkins Job Wheelwright Joshua Pico Benjamin Sault Paul Baxter John Owen Thomas Knox Samuel White Edward Cowell Peter Ellis (dead) Timothy Pease Boston Town Eecords, 1774. 155 Nathaniel Waterman Jacob Williams Samuel Barnard (dead) John Newell Henry Lucas Caleb Thaj-er James Beard Eichard Flood William Rogers Samuel Peck were chose Cullers of Staves for the Year ensuing. see Page 47. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Tuesday Morning 9 O'clock. Tuesday March 5^^. 9 O'Clock A. M. Town met according to Adjournment Mess". David Simons (excused) Benjamin Blake Ehjah Searl were chose Hog-greeves for the Year ensuing. M'. William M-^Fadden was chosen a Hayward for the Year ensuing [485.] Upon a Motion make & seconded, Voted, that Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq. Benjamin Kent Esq. M'. Alexander Hill be a Coinittee to look into the Law relative to Scavingers, and to get such Amendment, or Addition made to said Law, as they may think necessary to enable those Officers to discharge their Duty in a proper Manner sent Wards. Mess". Josiah Vose --- ---N°. 1. Joseph Snelling 28 Caleb Champney -------- 3s Freeman Pulcifer ------- 48 John Lovel 5 Joseph Loring 6 Charles - - - - 7 John Langdon --------- 8 Samuel Warden 9s John FuUerton - 10 Thomas Chase --------- 11 Benjamin Wheeler ------ 12 were chose Scavingers for the Year ensuing. The Town brought in their Votes for Five Wardens in the Room of those who had been excused from serving, and upon sorting them it appear'd, that Mess". Samuel Sellen John Cotton Samuel Bass 156 City Document No. 91. t Cap'. Nehemiah Tomes Alexander Edwards (excused) were chose Wardens for the Year ensuing, see Page 54. The Town brought in their Votes for One Assessor, and upon sorting them it appeared, that M"". Samuel Johnson was chosen an Assessor for the Year ensuing. Mess". John White John Lucas were chose Surve^-ors of Wheat for the Year ensuing [486.] Col. Joseph Jackson Col. John Leveret M". John Sweetser were chose Purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing, and they are desired & impower'd to give all needful Direction to the Keeper of the Granary, respecting the Quantity of Grain to be sold, & affix- ing the Price thereof from Time to Time, as Occasion shall require ; And the said Comm'^^ are desired & directed to cause all the Grain belonging to the Town to be granted at the new Mills, near the Mill-Bridge now occupied by M^ George Leonard Cap'. Martin Gay M'. John Skinner were chose Assay Masters for the Year ensuing The Selectmen chosen Siirveyers of the High Ways for the Year ensuing M^ James Blake was chosen a Surveyer of Boards for the ensuing Year. M"". Henry Prentice was chosen a Clerk of the Market for the ensuing Year The Selectmen reported on the Account of M^ Benj^. Fenno, Keeper of the Granary for the Year past, which Accompt is entered in his Books (and on File in the Town Clerk's OfBce) was read, whereupon it was Voted that the same be accepted, and that M'. Fenno be accountable to the Town for 850 Bushells of Corn, & 26 Bushells of Rye, amounting to £67 ,, 15^. and also for the Sum of £104 ,, 18 ,, 8^ Cash now in his Hands exclusive of the Sum of £32 ,, 13 ,, 4 for his Salary & Attendance, as charged in this Account, which is hereby allowed him. Upon a Motion made & seconded. Voted, that Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq. M^ William Whitwell M^ Alexander Hill John Rowe Esq. M'. Edward Payne [487.] Be, and liereby are appointed a Committee to examine into the State of the Granary, & report the same, as also their Opinion, whether it will be expedient for the Town to continue the same sent. Voted, that the Consideration of School-Masters Salaries and all other Salaries & Grants, be referred over to next May Meet- ing. Upon a Motion made «&; seconded, Voted, That the Town Treas- Boston Town Records, 1774. 157 urer be, & hereby is impoweied & directed to borrow, on Interest, a Sum not exceeding Tliree Hundred Pounds Lawful Money, for the Use of the Overseers of the Poor, to purchase Grain &°. for the Aims-House. sent Upon a Motion made & seconded. Voted, that the Town-Treas- urer be, & hereby is directed and impower'd to give his negotiable Notes upon Interest to such of tlie Overseers of the Poor as are in Advance for the Relief of the Poor, for such Sums as appear to be due to them respectively, upon the Auditing of their of their Ac- compts to the present Month sent Voted, that M"^. Edward Pavne M^ Alexander Hill M^ Ezekiel Price Major Thomas Daws Capt. Samuel Bradford Be, & they hereby are appointed a Committee to audit the Ac- compts of M"". Treasurer Jeffries, & also the Accompts of the Overseers of the Poor, & the said Committee are impowered, when they shall Audit said Accompts, to allow such of the Overseers, as shall ad!vance Money for the Relief of the Poor, Interest on all such Sums from the Time so advanced, till they shall have Audited said Accompts ; and they are also desired to report from Time to Time a State of the Treasury, respecting the Debts & Credits, & on any Matter, that they may think proper. The Petition of M'. Jacob Emmons, "That an Allowance be made him for the extraordinary Damage he has sustained by taking down his Walls & Chimnies in Paddy Alley, after the late Fire, over & above what the Jury has assigned [488.] Him " was read, & after considerable Debate had thereon, The Question was put, Whether the Town will sus- tain the Petition. Passed in the Negative. Adjourned to 3 O'Clock. P. M. 3 O'clock P. M. met according to Adjournment The Petition of M'. Thomas Walker, " for some Relief under the Charge occasioned him by the Wound his then Apprentice, Christopher Monk, received from Preston's Soldiers in the Mas- sacre on the Evening of the 5"^. of March 1770, was read & con- sidered — whereupon it was moved that the Petition be dismissed, and it was accordingly dismissed. The Petition of Capt. Amassa Davis, "That a Peice of the Town's Flatts now improv'd by him, & situated between the Fortification Walls & the Land improv'd by M'. Byles may be Leased to him for a Number of Years," was read & consider'd — whereupon, Voted, That the same be accepted, & that the Select- men be, & hereby are impower'd, to Lease the said Peice of Land to the Petitioner, upon such Terms as they shall think will be for the Interest of the Town. Upon a Motion made, Voted, that The Selectmen Benjamin Kent Esq. Jonah Quincy Esq J58 City Document No. 91. be a Comittee to enquire, how far M"". Byles, has complied with his Lease, & to Report to the Town at May Meeting ; as also what is proper to be done for the Security of the Land The Petition of M^ Samuel Hunt, Master of the North Gram- mar School, "That the same Encouragement may be given liim, in the Article of House-Rent as is afforded the Master of the other Grammar School " was [489.] Read, & considered. Whereupon Voted, That the Sum of Thirty Pounds be, & hereby is allowed him, to enable him to provide a House for himself the present Year The Committee on M"". Gaven Brown's Petition, relative to a Clock, reported, but after long Debate had, as to the Propriety of this Reports being taken up, — It was Voted, That the Matter subside. That Article in the Warrant, Viz'. " To consider of the Re- quest of a Number of the Inhabitants, That the Incumbrances on Dock Square may be removed & Measures taken for filling up the Town-Dock, that so room may be made for the Standing of the Florses & Carts, of those Country People, who bring Provi- sions to Market, was read, & after Debate had thereon, Voted, that Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq. John ScoUay Esq. Joseph Jackson Esq. M"". WiUiam Cooper John Rowe Esq be a Committee to take the same into Consideration, & report as soon as may be ; & the Committee arc hereby irapower'd to treat with the Proprietors, if they have any Doubt, as to the Title of the Dock. That Article in the Warrant, Viz' " Whether the Town will take any Measures for providing a suitable Place, where the Carts & Sleds with Hay Fire- Wood &c. may be accoinodated, and the Inhabitants of Corn-Hill thereby eased of that Incum- brance," was read & Debate had thereon Whereupon Voted, That Thomas Marshall Esq Capt. Thomas Dalton, say James Capt. John Joy Benjamin Kent Esq. _M^ William Whitwell Be a Colnittee to take this Matter into Consileration, & to re- port at the Adjournment what they think proper to be done. [499.] That Article in the Warrant, Viz'. " To consider whether the Selectmen shall be authorized & impower'd to prose- cute any Person or Persons, that have, or may encroach upon the Town's Laud, or on the Streets or High Ways of the Town, was read & considered — Whereupon Voted, That the Selectmen for the Time being, as Agents of the Town, be, & they hereby are irapowered to bring forward & prosecute in the Law any Suit, or Suits that may be necessary for Recovering their Right Title & Possession of, and in all such Lands, Tenements & Hereditaments, as are the Property of the Town ; & also for the Removal of all Boston Town Records, 1774. 159 such Incumbranoes, as have been, or may be made upon the Town's Land, Streets or High Ways; & this they are directed & impowered to do until final Judgment & Execution. Voted, That this Meeting be adjourned to Wednesday the 30'^ of March instant 9 O'Clock A. M. Wednesday Morning at 9 O'Clock Town met according to Ad- journment. The Town made Choice of John Rowe Esq. for a Moderator, Pro Tempore, in the Room of the Hon**'" Thomas Gushing Esq. confined at Home by Illness, but M^ Rowe desiring to be excused, John Hill Esq. was chosen a Moderatorpro Temp, in his Room M"". John Smith M^ John Peirce Palmer were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing. That Clause in the Warrant, Viz*., " Whether the Town will take any Measures for providing a suitable Place, where the Carts & Sleds with Hay, Fire- Wood &c. may be accoiuodated, & Inhabitants of Coruhill thereb}^ eased of that Incumbrance," was read, & the Committee thereon acquainted the Town, " That they were not yet able to make Report," when tiiey were desired to do it as soon as may be. [491.] The Request of M^ Miller, as' inserted in the War- rant Viz'., That he may have Liberty, at his own Expence, to run a Head, or Wharf from his Land across the Bottom of Milk- Street, to improve it for Landing Lumber &c. & to pay the Town a Consideration for the Rent of it," was read, Whereupon, Voted, that The Selectmen be a Committee to take this Matter into Consideration, and to report as soon as may be The Petition of jVP. Samuel Barrett & others, " That proper & legal Measures may be adoped for laying out a Street to lead from the Botton of Union-Street, below the Green Dragon, to the Bottom of Sudbury Street," was read, whereupon Voted, That the Gentlemen the Selectmen be a Committee to Consider the Petition, & determine upon the same as they may think for the Advantage of the Town The Petition of the Rev*^. John Christopher Hartwick setting forth, " That your Petitioner came to this Town upon a Call of a Num- ber of Inhabitants of the same, originally Germans, came to this Place upwards of Twenty Years ago, upon the Invitation of some notable Gentlemen of this Place promising them great Advantages — That by that Call your Petitioner is appointed spiritual Pastor over them — That your Petitioner flndeth the Execution of his Office a very difficult Task upon several Accounts, especially for Want of a convenient House to meet in for Instruction & Divine Worship. — That the Members of his Congregation are generally poor, & unable either to purchase Ground or to build a House of Divine Worship. — Your Petitioner therefore begs Leave to observe to your Honors, that unless he is assisted in this respect by the Generous Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, he must give up his 160 City Docotient No. 91. Vocation & leave this People, without a Remedy, in the degenerate & deplorable [493.] State, in which he found them, & in which, in a great Measure they are yet, in which Case a Number of them may become a Burden to the Community, & a Stain to the glorious Character of the People of Boston, which would be a great Pity, as they are industrious People, and by proper Care may become an Ornament & Blessing to the Society, of which, by Divine Providence, they are become members. But your Petitioner hath Ground to hope better Thhigs, from the Consideration, that the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston have deservedly the Name of a Religious, Generous & Hospitable People : That therefore the}^ will consider, that this People is come among them, not slyly & sur- reptitiously, like the Gibeonites ; that they, notwithstanding that, share the Fate of the Gibeonites, contrary to what they were made to expect : That they are Fellow-Protestants, built upon the Foun- dation of the Prophets & Apostles, of which Jesus Christ is the Chief Corner Stone, renouncing all Human Traditions & Popish Relicks. That every Member of a Body is under an Obligation to serve his Fellow-Members, with the Gifts he has received, as good Stewards of the manifold Grace of God: That it is the express Command of God to love the Strangers, as ourselves, considering that our Forefathers were also Strangers, & that God himself loveth Strangers : That People of a different Language residing in an Imperiuvi is both Ornamental & Beneficial. — These & other Considerations, too tedious to be recited here, have emboldened your Petitioner, to lay his, & his Peoples Circumstances before your Honors, in Order to communicate them to the respectable Inhabitants in lawful Town Meeting assembled, humbly praying to take their pitiful Case into their most serious Consideration, & to assist them in the best Manner their Wisdom may suggest & their Charity move them to. [493.] If my humble Opinion was asked, or I might be more particular in my humble Request, it is this : I am informed that in the Common, near the School-House, is a vacant & convenient Spot of Ground, on which a plain Meeting-House, without any Ornaments or Superfluities, might be built, if a public Collection in all the Churches was granted. The Ground remain under the Trust of the Selectmen, & the Reversion & remainder to the Town, & only the Use granted to your Petitioner & his Successors, being Evan- gelical Ministers of the Gospel, & the Evangelical Inhabitants of the Town of Boston in Communion with the Protestant Churches in Europe, who consent to & approve of the famous & Original Confession delivered to Charles the Fifth, Emperor of Germany, in a Diet of the States of the German Empire, & publicly read at Augsbourg in the Year of our Lord 1530. But all this your Petitioner leaveth to your Honor's superior Knowledge & Wisdom, only begging to pardon his Freedom, to grant hiin the Privilege of your Favors & Protection. And for the Prosperity of your Town & Country, your Petitioner shall always pray." — was read, & after Debate had thereon, Voted, that The Gentlemen the Selectmen Benjamin Kent Esq. Boston Town Records, 1774. 161 D"". Benjiimin Church M^ Ezekiel Price be a Committee to take this Petition into Consideration & report as soon as may be. The Committee appointed to examine the Accompts of David Jeffries Town Treasurer have attended that service and find the same right cast & well vouched, in which he charges himself with sundry Fines, Rents, & other Incomes of the Town ; as also with the Tux of £7000, all which amount to the Sum of Fourteen Thou- sand Two Hundred & Forty Pounds Eleven Shillings & nine Pence Three Farthings, including the Ballance of old Account. And the said Treasurer discharges himself by sundry Abatements made the Collectors amounting to £708 ,, 12,, 9 [494,] By Drafts made on the Selectmen amounting to £4256 ,, 14 ,, 7| of which he has paid Thirty Eight Hundred Thirty Three Pounds Seven Shil- ■ lings and Two Pence Farthing. And by Drafts made by the Overseers of the Poor which contain the Charges of the Alms House amounting Thirt}^ Three Hundred forty three pounds four Shillings & two pence, of which he has paid Twenty three Hundred & five Pounds thirteen shillings »& ten pence — Also for sundry Sums paid for Interest amounting to three hundred twenty nine pounds fifteen shillings & eight pence, the whole amounting to eight thousand six hundred & thirty eight Pounds eight shillings & six pence three farthings. The said Coiuittee have inspected said Drafts in a very particu- lar manner, & have examined the Vouchers produced by the Over- seers of the poor for the amount of their Drdts & every other Bx'anch of public Charge, amounting in all, as above to eight thou- sand six hundred & thirty eight pounds eight shillings & six pence farthing, as by Account of Town Treasury in Town Treasurer's Books Ballance whereof being five thousand six hundred & two pounds three shillings & three pence is carried to the Credit of new Account. Which Report & Account being read — Voted, that the same be, & hereby is accepted. The Committee appointed to examine the Town Treasury Ac- compts reported a Memorandum of sundry Debts, supposed not good, which stands open in the Treasurer's Books, viz'. Edward Hopkins- - £ 1 ,, — ,, Thomas Meulins's Estate Henry Lloyd Esq. - - Aaron Ramnell - - - Inorcas Blake's Estate - Samuel Butler's Estate - John Warden's Estate - Benjamin Hodgins Estate Charles Henley's Estate [495.] Isaac Cazueau - - - John & Richard Billings Thomas Green - - - Isaac Dupee - - - - Ephraim Copeland - - Peter Cumber - - - 7 „ 13 11 7 1 „17 11 3 4 15 u — 16 ^^ ■)^ 2 „19 11 3 6 „ 8 11 10 a 16 1 1 ^^ 18 11 — H 18 11 — H 1 nil 11 10 ;( 16 11 11 1 „ 2 11 3^ a 19 •n 7 12 „ 12 ^^ 10 162 City Document 'No. 91. Whereupon Voted, That the Towq Treasurer, M^ David Jeffries be, & he hereby is directed to close those Accompts together with what M'^. Samuel Adams, a late Collector, erroneously stands D^ for on Town Treasur}' Books. Voted, That all Matters & things which remain unfinished at this Meeting be referred over to the next general Town Meeting, to be then considered of and acted upon. Then the Meeting was dissolved. At a Meeting of ths Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston dul}' qualified & legally warned in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 30"^. Day of March Anno Dom : 1774 3 O'Clock P.M. Warrant for calling the Meeting, read The Town having upon a Motion made Voted to choose a Mod- erator by Hand- Vote, William Phillips Esq. was accordingly chosen . Moderator of this Meeting. That Article in the Warrant Viz'., " To determine whether the Town will purchase the new Clock latelj' made by M"". Gawen Brown, & fix the same in the Steeple of the old South [496.] Church, and also the two Dials that are already there, and another that M''. Brown proposes to put up on the West side of said Steeple, & agree upon the Terms, on winch such Purchase shall be made " — was taken into Consideration, & after some Debate thereon, Voted, That the Town will grant the said Gawen Brown Eiglity Pounds lawful Money towards purchasing said Clock & three Dials, which, with Eighty Pounds lawful Money more sub- scribed by several of the Inhabitants (Part of which he has already received) will in the Estimation of the Town, be the full Value of said Clock & three Dials, the Grant hereby made to be drawn, for by the Selectmen, as soon as may be after said Clock & Dials are fixt in said Steeple to their Satisfaction, provided said Brown give. Security to the Selectmen that he will keep said Clock in good Order and winde up the same at his own Expence for Seven Years after said Clock & Dials are there fixed ; the third Dial to be of the same Size with the other two Dials Also Voted That the Gentlemen the Selectmen be desired to take a Bill of Parcels of M''. Brown for the Clock & Dials, together with a Re- ceipt in full, that it may hereafter appear to be the Property of the Town. The Hon*"'^. John Hancock Esq. having sent in his Desire to the Town, that he might be excused from serving any longer as a Fire-Ward, on Account of his Health; he was accordingly ex- cused. Upon a Motion made Voted unanamously, That the Thanks of the Town be & hereby are given to the flon''''' John Hancock Esq. for his good Services as a Fire- Ward, a Number of Years past. [497.] The Committee appointed by the Town of Boston for procuring & erecting Lamps, beg leave to report, and they accord- ingly do report Boston Town Records, 1774. 163 That they received of the Treasurer out of the Monies subscribed and paid for the Purpose £120 Sterling, witb which tiiey pro- cured & sent to M^ John Boylston Merchant in London a Bill of Exchange for £90 Sterling That M^ Boylston procured & sent Lamps & Tin to the Amount of £77 ,, 3 ,, 6 sterling, in which he did not charge any Commis- sions, or any thing for his Trouble, & moreover, he made such an Interest with the Captain as to obtain their being brought free of the Charge of Freight, all which has made a considerable Saving to the Town. That the whole Number of Lamps erected under the Direction of tlie Committee amounts to three hundred & Ten. That the whole Sum received of, & drawn upon the Treasurer for, amounts to £450 ,, 7 ,, 3, as by Account of Particulars hereto annexed That there still remains in the Hands of M^ John Boylston Merchant in London the Sum of £12 ,, IG ,, 6 sterling to be ac- counted for by him, & in the hands of the Committee 59 Globe Glasses — 665 Tin Plates and 6^'' weight of Oakum which are ready to be delivered to the Order of the Town all which is humbly submitted John Eowe p Order The foregoing Report having been read, the Question was put, Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative Upon a Motion made Voted, that John Rowe p]sq. Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq. The Moderator be, & hereby are appointed a Committee to draw up a Vote of Thanks to M''. John Boylston, to be reported, before the same is transmitted. [498.] Voted, that this Meeting be, & hereby is adjourned to Fryday the 8"^. Day of April next, 3 O'Clock P. M. Fryday April 8'^. 1774, 3 O'Clock P. M. met according to Adjournment. • M"". Robert Breck was chosen a Culler of Hoops & Staves for the Year ensuing The Comittee appointed to receive the Money subscribed for purchasing of Lamps, report That they have attended that Business, & received of the pei'- sons, whose Names are mentioned in the Lists of the several "Wards, herewith delivered, the Sum of five Hundred & twenty four Pounds eleven shillings, & eight pence, which, agreeable to the Vote of the Town, they have paid into the Town Treasury. That there are some other Subscribers who have not paid their Subscriptions, but when received are likewise to be paid into the Treasury. And that there are a Number who have subscribed to give Lamps, & others, whpse Subscriptions are to be paid in Work, as mentioned in said Lists ; the Names of whom anil their particular 164 City Document No. 91. Subscriptions have likewise been given to tlie Committees tip- pointed to purchase and erect the Lamps £ 524 ,, 11 ,, 8 Ja^. Richardson p Order The above Report having been read, the Question was put, Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Afferma- tive. The Selectmen being appointed a Committee to consider the Pe- tition of M"". Samuel Barrett & others, that a street might be laid out, extending from the Bottom of Union Street to the End of Sudbury Street, do report as their Opiiiiou, That it will not be of any Advantage to the Town to have any other Street, than what the Abbuters on the Land between[499.] The Street called Friend Street & Cold Lane, have already laid out, unless the Owners of the Land between Union Street, and Friend Street, & from Cold Lane to Sudbury Street, are inclined to lay out a Street through their Land, at their own Expence, in which Case they think it best that they may be permitted to lay out One accordingly. John Scolley, p Order The foregoing Report having been read & considered — the Question was put, Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative. The Committee appointed to take into Consideration the Peti- tion of the Rev'*. M^ John Christopher Hartwick, in behalf of a Number of German Families being in this Town for Assistance in building a small House for Public Worship — Reported, That having met & considered the same, they arc of Opinion, That one half Part of the Building now improved as a Granary, be allowed the Petitioners by them to be used & improv'd as a Place for the public Worship of God. the same to be leased to them for such a Term of Years, & upon Conditions as the Town shall think proper — The Coiliittee would beg Leave to recolilend, that a Brief be sent to the Ministers of the several Churches & Congre- gations, in the Town for farther Aid and Assistance to the Peti- tioners, by a public ContriI)ution in the several Churches & Congre- gations, an Estimate being first made of the Sum necessary to be raised for the Relief of the Petitioners. The foregoing Report having been read, and some Debate had thereon, it was voted, that the farther Consideration of said Re- port be referr'd over to May Meeting & that the same be inserted in the Warrant that shall be issued tor said Meeting [530,] The Committee appointed to draw up a Vote of Thanks to M'. John Boylston Merchant in Loudon, for his Ser- vices to this Town in purchasing a Number of Lamps & shipping them from London, — Reported the following Draft John Rowe Esq. Chairman of the Corriittec, appointed the 5*. day of May 1773 to procure Lamps &*=. from London to be fixt in such parts of the Town, as said Cornittee should judge proper for en- lightening the same, made Report of their Proceedings in Writing thereon ; & at the same Time informed the Town, that the said Coinittce had employed IVP. John Boylston, late of this Town Merchant, now residing in London, to purchase said Lamps — Boston Town Eecords, 1774. 1G5 That M"". Rojlston very readily & chearfully undertook this Ser- vice — That he purchased the Lamps veiy cheap — That he took great Care in the Packing & shipping of them — & got them trans- ported & shipped from London free of Freight and that he will not accept of any Cornission for his Trouble in this Affair, nor for some E-xpence he has been at in Transacting the same The Town taking this Representation into their Consideration, & having a grateful sense of M^ Boylston's great Care & Generosity in this Affair, Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be, & hereby are given to M'^. Boylston for the same. The foregoing Report having been read, the Question w^as put. Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative unanimously. Also Voted that William Phillips Esq. John Rowe Esq. Elzekiel Goldthwait Esq. be and hereby are appointed a Cohiittee to transmit the foregoing Vote, attested by the Town Clerk to the said M'. Boylston as soon as may be. [501.] Upon a motion made. Voted, that John Rowe Esq. be desired to write M'. Boylston that the Ballance remaining in his Hands may be sent in Lamps so soon as conveniently may be John Rowe Esq. having offered in this Meeting to allow the Town Twenty Shillings p hundred for all the Oakum remaining in his hands, of that which was sent by M"". Boylston, it was Voted, that this Offer be accepted, & that M"". Rowe be desired to pay the Amount thereof to M''. Town Treasurer The Town Clerk having laid before the Town, the Doings of his Majesty's Justices, & the Gentlemen the Selectmen of Boston, to- gether with the Return of the Jury appointed to make Assessments &". relative to the new Street in Paddy's Alley — Voted, That the Clerk be directed to record the same in the Town Book of Recoi'd ■ — Mem°. all on File — see Page 552 — The Town brought in their Votes for a Fire Ward in the room of the Hon'''®. John Hancock Esq. who has declined serving on Account of his Health ; & upon sorting the same it appeared that Ezekiel Cheever Esq. was chosen a Fire Ward for the Year ensuing That Article in the Warrant for March Meeting, Viz*. " Whether the Town will purchase the Buildings erected by M'. Robert Pier- point on the Town Land adjoining to the Fortification," being re- ferr'd over for Consideration to this Meeting, the same was taken up by the Town, and after some Debate had thereon, Voted, that William Phillips Esq. M^ Edward Payne Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq. M'. Alexander Hill M'. Ezekiel Price [503.] Be, & hereby are appointed a Comittee to take this Article of the Warrant into Consideration & report their Opinion relative thereto at the General Town Meeting in May next 166 City Document No. 91. M''. Alexander Edwards, who was chosen one of the Wardens for the ensuing Year, having declined serving in that Office, was accordingly excused by the Town. The Town brought in their Votes for a Warden and upon sorting them, it appeared, that Cap'. Andrew Symmes jun^ was chosen a Warden for the Year ensuing. Agreeable to the Venire for the Choice of Jurymen for April Court, received from the Clerk of Sessions, the Town proceeded to the Choice of Six Jurors, by drawing them out of the Box, when, M^ John Box jun^ William Wane Benjamin Andrews jun"". John M'=Clane Edward Winter Calf Joseph Richardson were drawn Jurors for April Court, & the Venire, with the Names of those Persons were given to one of the Constables. Voted, That all Matters & things, which remain unfinislied at this Meeting be referred over to the next General Town Meeting be then considered of, & acted upon Voted, unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be, & hereby are given to William Phillips Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting, for his good Services therein. Then the Meeting was dissolved. [503.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duly qualified & legally warned in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall, on Wednesday the 10*. day of May 1774. Prayer was made by the Reverend M^ John Lathrop. The Precept & Warrant for calling the Meeting read Sundry Laws read M^ Timothy Newell, one of the Selectmen proposed, in their Names, to the assembled Inhabitants, to proceed to the Choice of One, or more Persons to represent them in the Great & General Court or Assembly, to be held at the Town House in Boston, upon Wednesday the 25'*^. day of May Current, & in order thereto to consider, & ascertain the Number of Gentlemen to be Elected : Accordingly it was Voted, to proceed to the Choice of Four Rep- resentatives, & then it was declared b}' the Selectmen That no Votes will be received but such as are unfolded ; and that Ihey propose the Poll shall be closed at 12 O'Clock The Votes being brought in for Four Representatives the Num- ber of the same was found to be five hundred and thirty Six, & upon sorting them it appeared that the four following Gentlemen were chosen — Viz'. The Hon'"^ Thomas Cushing Esq. 524 M''. Samuel Adams 535 The Hon'^'^ John Hancock Esq. 536 William Phillips Esq. 534 The Choice of Representatives beiiig over, & declared by the Selectmen, the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw, & bring in Boston Town Records, 1774. 167 their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, in Order that the Town may proceed in transacting the other Affairs mentioned in the Warrant [504,] Accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew, & brought in their Votes, & upon sorting tliem it appeared that M''. Samuel Adams was chosen That Article in the Warrant, Viz*. "Whether the Inhabitants will give Instructions to the Representatives that may be chosen," was read — and 4 O'Clock Afternoon was assigned for the Con- sideration of said Article. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to 3 O'Clock P.M. To the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of Boston, in Town Meeting assembled May 10"". 1774. Pursuant to a Vote of the Town of Boston, at their annual Meeting the 5"^. day of May last, desiring the Selectmen to visit the public Schools in the Town, & to invite such Gentlemen to accompany them therein, as the}^ shall think proper, & to report thereon. We, the Subscribers accordingly attended that Service on the 7*. day of July lust, & the following Gentlemen were invited to accompany us therein. Viz'. The Hon'''^ John Ervin Esq. James Bowdoin Esq. Samuel Pitts Esq. D"". John Winthrop The Representatives of the Town The Overseers of the Poor The Town Treasurer The Rev'^. Charles Chauncey D.D. Mather By les D.D. Andrew Eliot D.D. Samuel Cooper D.D. Ebenezer Pemberton D.D. Samuel Mather D.D. [505.] John Hunt ' John Bacon John Lathrop Simeon Howard M^ How M^ Gordon of Roxbury Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq. M". William Payne M"". John Leach M'. Benj". Goodwin M'. John Boynton M^ Samuel Eliot M"". John Scollay jua'. Thomas Brattle Esq. John Missling Esq. of Philadelphia M"". Nathaniel Appleton M"^. Henderson Inches Isaac Smith Esq. Joseph Jackson Esq. > 168 City Document No. 91 M^ Alexander Hill Cap'. Fortisque Vernon . Cap'. S(jlomon Davis Benj''. Kent ICsq. Joseph Scott Es;q. Cap'. John Bradford John Adams Esq. M^ Moses Gill D"". Belcher Noyes ]VF. Jon*. Amory D'. Benj^ Church Cap'. Mackay D^ Tliomas Bulfinch D"^. John Greenleaf M'. Josiah Quincy John Phillips Esq. M"'. Henry Bromfield D^ Joseph Warren Major Thomas Daws [506.] M^ Michael Homer M^ Henry Laiighton Col. John Erving John Feuton Esq. M^ William Dennie M"". William Mollineux and found the South Grammar School had 139 SchollarsThe North Grammar School 60 Scholars The North Writing School 240 Scholars : The writing School in Queen Street 2b0 Scholars, all in very good Order John Scollay ^ <« Timothy Newell ! £| Thomas Marshall ( || John Pitts j 1 Voted, that the Selectmen be, & they hereby are appointed to act upon the List of Jurors. The Comittee appointed to consider that Article in the Warrant, Viz'. " Whether the Town will purchase the Buildings erected by M^ Robert Pierpoint in the Town's Lands jidjoining to the Forti- fication," Report, That they have viewed the Town's Lands near the Fortification, & the Buildings erected thereon by M'. Peirpoint & upon mature Consideration, are of Opinion, that it will not be for the Interest of the Town to purchase said Buildings. The CorTiitte would farther report, that they have measured the Town's Lands, & find that there is Sixty thi-ee feet without the Gate in Length, within the Bastions Forty two feet in Length, within the Gate, which is improved by M'. Robert Pierpoint on the west side, & Sixty nine feet in Length on the East Side, as also Ninety two feet on the West Side in length, that is improved by Mess". Tuckermau, Blake & Faxon, & Sixty two f(;et on the East Side in Length, that is impioved by Mess". Davis & Curtis ; that those Lands at present fetch in but a Small Rent, tho'. iu the Boston Town Records, 1774. 169 Opinion of the Coinittee said Lands are of a considerate Value, & if said may be much for the Interest of the Town. All which is submitted, in tlie Name of the Coraittee W**. Phillips, p Order. [507.] The foregoing Report having been read & considered, whereupon Voted, that the same be so far accepted, as it will not be for the Interest of the Town to purchase said Buildings, That Article in the Warrant, Viz'., " What is proper to be done with the Lands belonging to the Town, adjoining to the Fortifi- cation, & ivitliin the same on both Sides the Street, was read, & Debate had thereon — whereupon moved, & Voted, that a Cofnittee of Eleven Persons be raised, to consider of the State of all the Lands of the Town, both within & without the Fortification & near adjoining thereto, & that said Committee be impowered & directed to make Entry on all, or any Part of said Lands, and thereof to take full Seizin & Possession, in the Name & Behalf of the Town ; & in Case all, or any of the Trespassers or Occupiers — thereof are willing to surrender, or Compromise with the Town, that such CoiSittee be impowered to comply with all reasonable Offers, at the Direction of said Comittee, so as that they do not proceed to alienate any Part of the Premisses in Fee for Life or Years — also Voted, that John Scollay Esq. The Hon'''*. John Hancock Esq. M^ Timothy Newell Thomas Marshall Esq. M^ Samuel Austin M'. Oliver Wendell M^ John Pitts Josiah Quincey Esq. John Adams Esq. Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq. Benjamin Kent Esq. be, & hereby are appointed a Comittee for the Purpose aforesaid. Tliat Article in the Warrant, Viz'. " Whether the Town will give Instructions to the Gentlemen, that may be chosen to repre- sent them in the next General Assembly," was read — and con- sidered, whereupon Voted, that D"". Benjamin Church John Adams Esq. D''. Joseph Warren [508.] Benjamin Kent Esq. Josiah Quincey Esq. D''. Young M''. James Lovel be, & hereby are appointed a Coinittee to prepare Instructions to our Representatives, and report at the Adjournment The Report of the Coiiiittee on the Rev*^. M^ Hartwick's Peti- tion laid before the Town by the Coinittee to whom said Petition was referred at the March Meeting which Report is to be consid- ered at this Time, was again read ; & the further Consideration referred, till the Report of the Coinittee on the State of the Gran ary be laid before the Town. 170 City Docujment No. 91. The Comittee appointed the 14*. of March last, to examine into the State of the Granary, & report the same, & also their Opinion, whether it will be expedient for the Town to continue the same now ; Report, That they have, so far as it was in their Power, examined into the State of the Granary, & cannot find that any regular Accompts, or Entries have been made in any Books, either by the Purchasers of Giain or by the Keeper of the Granary, of the Quantities of Grain bought in each Year ; therefore cannot ascertain the Gain or Loss in the Measure. The Comittee have examined so far back as they were able, & find by the Papers laid before them, by M^ John Fenno, Keeper of the Granary, that the Quantity of Corn & Rye, purchased by the Coihittee from March 1769 to March 1774 amounted to 5836 Bushells, & that he had sold out in that time 5060 Bushells, & there then remained in his hands onl}^ 376 Bushells, by which it appears there was a Loss in the Measure of the Corn of 400 Bush- ells which is 7 p Cent, but there was no Loss in the Rye [509.] The Committee have also examined the Amounts of the Charges that have arisen for the last five Years, & find that the Measuring, Carting, Keeper's Allowance &^. amount to £238 ,, 10 ,, 1 lawful Money, which is Six Shillings & Six Pence half penny old Tenor p. Bushell on the whole quantity that was purchased in said five Years, exclusive of the 400 Bushells lost in the Mea«;ure, which being added makes it 8| old Tenor p Bushell on the whole quantity laid in the last five Years. The quantity sold last Year was only 605 Bushells, & the Town Stock being now so very small, and the Keeper's Salary & Allowance, with other Expences being so great, out of such a Stock, the Comittee are of Opinion, that it will not be for the Interest of the Town, to keep said Granary opeu the remainder of the Year, under the present Regula- tions The Committee would inform the Town, that upon Examination into the State of the Granary, they find, that in March in the Year 1752, they had a Stock of £380 ,, 18 ,, 1 which, in ten Years, viz', in March 1762 encreased to £486 „ 15 ,, 3 lawful Money, over & above all Charges, but since it has been annually decreas- ing, till now it is reduced to about £150 The Reasons for which, the Committee, after a very strict Enquiry cannot assign. — All which is submitted by ezekiel goldthwait William Whitwel John Rowe Alexander Hill Edward Payne Which Report being accepted by the Town On a Motion made & seconded. Voted, that the Selectmen be, & hereby are directed and impowered to lend M''. Johu Fenno the Stock of Grain belonging to the Town, now in the Granary, at the Market Price, as also the Money belonging to the Town, now in the hands of the said Fenno, the Selectmen taking Security for the Pay- ment of the whole in the Month of March next ; — [510.] W. Boston Town Records, 1774. 171 Fenno keeping the Granary always open on the usual Days, & hav- ing Liberty to open the same upon such other Days as he may think proper. October 6* 1790 The Select Men having examined the Acco*^ of M^ Fenno are of opinion that there is nothing due from M^ Fenno to town By order John Scollat Also Voted, that the foregoing Coraittee on the tate of the Granary, be desired to set again, & that they consider of a proper Place for the future Regulations of a Town Granary ; as also to receive such Proposals or Plans us may be made & given in, & to Report next March Meeting The Report of the Committee on the Reverend M'". Hartwick's Petition, read again, and after considerable Debate had thereon Voted, that the Petitioner have Leave to withdraw his Peti- tion. The Petition of M'. David Jeffries, Town Treasurer, praying an Allowance for Reasons set forth in said Petition, was read & con- sidered ; whereupon Voted, that the Sum of Thirty Pounds p Annum be added to the Town Treasurer's annual Salary The Petition of M'. George Leonard, "for Liberty to erect a Grist-Mill, or Mills on Fort-Hill, on a new Construction & to build proper Rollers for the Breaking of Matt, the Usefulness of which LTndertaking is set forth in said Petition ; " was read, & after debate had thereon, the Question was put, " Whether the Prayer of said Petition be granted, — which passed in the Negative Upon a Motion made & seconded, the Question was put — Whether the said Petition of M''. George Leonard be dismissed — Passed in the Affirmative Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Fryday next 10 O'clock A. M. [511.] Fryday May 13^ 1774 — 10 O'Clock A. M. met Met according to Adjournment That Article in the Warrant, Viz'. "Whether there shall be a Survey made, & a Plan drawn of all the Town's Lands," was read, whereupon Voted, That the Consideration of that Article be referred to next March Meeting That Article in the Warrant, viz'. " Whether the Selectmen shall be impowered to appoint one or moi-e Persons to prevent firing small Arms on the Neck, whereby the Limbs & Lives of the Inhabitants, have been greatly endangered ; & also to remove any Incumbrances or Nuisances, which may hereafter be laid thei*eon," was read & considered ; whereupon Voted, That the Selectmen be instructed to impower a suitable Person to see that the Laws are carried into Execution against those who shall presume to discharge Fire Arms on Boston Neck, or shall lay an}^ Incumbrances thereon That Article in the Warrant, Viz'. " The Petition of a Number of the Inhabitants, That a public Well may be dug, & a Pump fixed upon Dock Square, for the further Preservation of the Town 172 City Document No. 91. from Fire ; & the Accomodation of the Inhabitants in that Neighbourhood with Water," was read, whereupon, Voted, that William Phillips Esq. John Leveret Esq. M"". Jonathan Mason Jonathan Williams Esq _ M'. William Whitwel be a Comittee to take the Petition into Consideration, & to report at next March Meeting [513.] Upon a Motion made Voted, That the Consideration of Schoolmaster's Salaries, & all other Salaries & Grants, be referred to the first Monday of July next 10 O'Clock. Upon a Motion made, Voted, That the Grant of Monies for Town Charges be referred to the Adjournment of this Meeting • The Petition of M"". Samuel Holbrook, Master of the South Writing School, " That he may be considered in the Article of House Rent, & allowed for Providing Assistance — what was granted to late Ushers," whereupon Voted That the Consideration of this Petition be referred to the Adjournment of this Meeting. That Article in the Warrant, Viz'. " To determine upon proper Methods for preserving Beacon Hill," was read Voted, That the Consideration hereof be referred to the Ad- adjournment of this Meeting. Upon a Motion made & seconded, Voted, that all Matters & Things, not acted upon, be referred to the Adjournment of this Meeting. Voted, That this Meeting be, and hereby is adjourned to the 1"*. Monday of July next 10 O'Clock At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duly qualified & legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall, on Fryday the 13'^. Day of May 11 O'clock [513.] Warrant for Calling the Meeting read. The Town was desired to bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, & upon sorting them it appeared that M"". Samuel Adams was chosen Upon a Motion made Voted, That this Meeting be opened with Prayer, & that the following Gentlemen, Viz'. William Phillips Esq. Joseph Jackson Esq. John Barrett Esq. Jonathan Williams Esq. M'. William Whitwel be a Comittee to wait upon D"'. Cooper & acquaint him that it is the Desire of the Town, that he would open this Meeting with Prayer ; & in Case he should not be readily found, that they then invite D^ Chauucey, or any other Minister they shall think proper to perform that Service Voted, That the Port Bill be read, and it was read accord- ingly Boston Town Records, 1774. 173 The Committee to wait on D'. Cooper Reported that they had informed him of tlie Request of the Town, & had received for Answer, That tho' he was just returned fatigued from a Journe}', he would yet comply with the Orders of the Town in giving his im- mediate Attendance Prayer was made by tlie rev^. D'. Cooper agreable to the Re- quest of the Town The Article in the Warrant, viz'. " To consider what Measures are proper to be taken upon the present Exigency of our public Affairs, more especially' relative to the late Edict of a British Par- liament for Blocking up the Harbor of Boston, & annihilating the Trade of this Town," was read — whereupon a Motion was made, " That a Committee be appointed to [514»] Take the Act of Parliament referred to into Consideration and Report their Sense of what Measures are proper to be taken upon the present Exi- gency After some Debate upon the Motion made, it was moved & Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to 3 O'Clock P. M. 3 O'clock Town met according to Adjournment The Motion for a Committee to take into Consideration the Act, intitled the Boston Port-Bill, was again taken up ■ By Order of the Town a Letter from Marblehead was read. A Motion made for a Committee to write a Circular Letter to the several Towns of this Province, & to the several Colonies, ac- quainting them with the present State of our Affairs. Moved & Voted, Nem. Cont. that M*". Samuel Adams John Rowe Esq. Thomas Boylston Esq. William Phillips Esq. D"". Joseph Warren John Adams Esq. Josiah Quincey Esq. The Hon**'*. Thomas Cushing Esq. M"". Henderson Inches M^ William MoUineux M''. Nathaniel Appleton be, & hereby are appointed a Committee to take the several Pro- posals, that have been made, & others that may be made, relative to our Conduct on the present Exigency, into their Consideration, & report, as soon as may be, their Opinion On a Motion made. Voted, Nem. Cont. that a Cornittee be ap- pointed to repair to the Town of Salem and [515.] Marblehead, to communicate with them upon the present Exigency of Affairs, and that M'. Oliver Wendell M'. John Pitts M^ William Dennie M^ William Powell M'. Isaac Smith 174 City Document No. 91- be, and hereby are appointed a Coraittee to take that Pur- pose jNP. Edward Pa^'ne Merchant informing the Town that he was upon setting out on a Journey Eastward — he was desired to exert himself to promote the Success of said Committee Voted, that the Comittee of Correspondence be desired to dis- patch Messengers witii all possible Speed to the other Colonies, & the several Towns in this Province, charged with the Letters & they have wrote relative to shutting up this Harbour &c Upon a Motion made the Letters wrote by the Committee of Correspondence to the several Towns in this Province on the Sub- ject aforementioned, were read Voted, Nem. Con. that it is the Opinion of this Town, that if the other Colonies come into a joint ResDlution, to stop all Impor- tations from Great Britain & Exportations to Great Britain, & every part of the West Indies, till the Act for Blocking up this Harbor be repealed, the same will prove the Salvation of North America & ber Liberties : On the other Hand, if they continue their Exports & Imports, there is high Reason to fear, that Fraud, Power & the most Odious Oppression, will rise triumphant over Right, Justice, Social Happiness & Freedom — And moreover, that this Vote be forthwith transmitted by the Moderator to all our Sister Colonies in the Name & behalf of this Town Also Voted, That the Moderator be desired to when he trans- mits the foregoing Vote, to give a Narrative of the News & Intel- ligence we have lately, & this Day received, and [516.] The Town Clerk is directed to serve the Committee of Correspondence for Salem v^ith a Cop3' of this Vote. A Motion made & passed, that every Gentleman, who has Friends & Correspondents in the other Sea Poi-t Towns & the Col- onies, that they be desired to write Letters to such Correspond- ents, strongly recommending tlieir coming into the Measures of this Vote. The Gentlemen of Rhode Island Government in the Meeting, were desired to use their Influence ; that their Province may second the Measures of this Town in the present Exigency Voted, That this Meeting be adjourned to Wednesday next, being the 18'\ Instant, 10 OClock A.M. Wednesday May 18'^. 1774, 10 O'Clock A.M. met according to Adjournment The Coihittee appointed by this Town, " To repair to Marble- head & Salem to Communicate to them on the present Exigency of Affairs," Do report, That they proceeded on that Business, & discoursed with the Selectmen & other Gentlemen of both Towns, who discovered a Disposition to aid & suppoit us in the present Struggle for our invatled Rights ; & for that Purpose the Select- men of each Town gave their Assurance, that their respective Towns would have a Meeting forthwith ; the Result of which they would immediately forward to the Selectmen of Boston. Oliver Wendell P. Order The Moderator of this Meeting laid before the Town a Letter sent Boston Town Records, 1774. 175 him by M'. James Bois of Milton, in which he makes an Offer to the Town of the Use of his Slitting Mills at Milton, & the Utensils belonging to the same, for the Employment of our Placksmiths " during the Blockade of Boston," b}' a British Fleet & Army & the same having been read [517.] Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be, & they hereby are given to M'. James Bois for his kind Offer of the Slitting Mill & Utensils, upon the present Emergencies of the In- habitants The Coihittee appointed on Fryday last to receive Proposals &c Report verbally that they had received several Proposals & plans, which appeared to them very likely to promote the Ease of those Inhabitants who may be brought into Disti'ess by the Operation of the detested Port-Bill but that not having had time to digest those Plans, they asked Leave to sot again, & report at the Adjournment, when having heard from the other Colonies, they will be better abl3 to make said Report. The Town Clerk was directed to desire the Hon'''^. Thomas Gush- ing Esq. to attend with Part of a written Report of the Committee to receive Proposals &c The Moderator informed the Inhabitants that agreable to the Order of the Town he had enclosed an attested Copy of Town Votes in Letters to the several Provinces, by M^ Reviere, who set out last Satunlay, & that he should forward Copies as Opportunities presented M"". Speaker Cushing attended & informed the Town that he had not written Report of the CoiSittees ; on Ways & Means An Act of the British Parliament was read entitled, an Act to dis- continue, in such Manner, & for such Time, as are therein men- tioned, the Landing and discharging, loading or Shipping of Goods, Ware & Merchandize, at the Town within the Harbor of Boston, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay in North America — and thereupon Voted ; unanimously, P'. That the Trade of the Town of Boston has been an essential Link in that vast Chain of Commerce, which in the Course of a few Ages, has raised New England to be what it is, the Southern Provinces to be what they are, the West India Islands to their Wealth &, in One Word, the British Empire, to that Height of Opulence, Power, Pride & Splen- dor, at which it now stands. — 2'^. That the Impolicy, Injustice, In- humanity, & Cruelty, of the Act aforesaid, exceed all our Powers of Expression & Conception, we therefore leave it to the just Cen- sure of others, & appeal to God & the World. Also Voted, That the above Notes be entered upon the Records of the Town Voted, that the Comittee to receive Proposals and Plans, & to consult Ways & means for the Relief of the Poor, be desired to sit again. Voted, That this Meeting be adjourned to Monday the 30'*^. In- stant 10 O'Clock A.M. May SO"'. 1774. 10 O'Clock. Met according to Adjourn ment. 176 City Document No. 91. The Committee to receive Proposals & to coDsidcr of Wa3-3 & Means to employ the Poor, acquaint the Town, they they were not able to report at present — they were therefore desired to sit again. Upon a Motion made, Voted, That when this Meetimg be ad- journed, it shall be toFryday the 17"". day of June 10 O'Clock. Upon a Motion made, Voted, That the Cotiiittee appointed to receive Proposals & consider of Ways & Means, be desired to prepare a Paper, to be carried to each Family in the Town, the Report of which to be, not to purchase any Articles of British Manufactures, that can be obtained among Ourselves, & that they will purchase Nothing of, but totally desert those who shall Coun- ter-work the Salutary INIeasures of the Town. Voted, That the Coinittee of Correspondence be & hereby are directed, to comunicate the Non Consumption Agreement afore- said to the other Towns in the Province. Adjourned to June 17. 10 O'Clock Forenoon [519,] June 17"^. 10 O'Clock, Town met agreeable to the Adjournment of the above Meeting, from 30'''. May to this day. M"". Samuel Adams the Moderator, being at Salem, attending the Business of the General Court, the Town proceeded to the Choice of a Pro Tempore Moderator, when the Hon'^'^. James Bowdoin Esq. was chosen unanamously ; and a Commiltee of three Gentlemen was sent to inform him, who Reported, that he was from Home — John Rowe Esq. was then chosen, but Business pre- venting his Attendance, the Votes, it appeared, tiiat the Hon'''''. John Adams Esq. was chosen, and being informed of it by the above Committee, he gave his Attendance accordingly. D"". Warren, one of the Coinittee on Ways & Means, acquainted the Town, that tliey thought it best to defer making Report, till they had heard from the other Governments, whereupon they were directed to set again. Upon a Motion made the Town again entered into the Consider- ation of the Article in the Warrant, Viz'., " To consider & deter- mine what Measures are proper to be taken upon the present Exigency of our public Affairs, more especially relative to the late Edict of the British Parliament for Bocking up the Harbour of Boston, & annihilating the Trade of this Town," and after very serious Debates thereon Voted, (with only one Dissentient) That the Comittee of Cor- respondence be enjoined forthwith to write to all the other Colonies, acquainting Ihem that we are not idle, that we are deliberating upon Ihe Steps to be taken on the pi'esent Exigencies of our public Affairs ; that our Brethren the landed Interest of the Province, with an unexampled Spirit and Unanimity, are entring into a Non- Consumption agreement ; [530,] And that we are waiting with anxious Expectation for the Result of a Continental Congress ; whose Meeting we impatiently desire, & in whose Wisdom & Firmness we can Confide, & in whose Determinations we shall chearfuUy acquiesce Voted, That this Meeting be adjourned to 3 O'Clock P. M. • Boston Town Records, 1774. 177 3 O'clock P. M. Met according to Adjournm'. Agreeable to Order the Comittee of Correspondence laid bsfore the Town such Letters as they had received in Answer to the Cir- cular Letter, wrote by them to the several Colonies, & also to the Sea-Port Towns in this Province, since the Receipt of the Boston Port Bill, & the same being publlckly read — Whereupon Voted, unanimously. That our warmest Thanks be transmitted to our Brethren on the Continent for that Humanity, Sympathy & Affection, with which they have been inspired, & which they have expressed towards this distressed Town, at this important Season Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be, & hereby are given to the Comittee of Correspondence to their Faithfuhiess, in the Discharge of their Trust, & that they be desired to continue their Vigilance & Activity in that Service Whereas the Overseers of the Poor in the Town of Boston are a Body politic by Law constituted for the Receipt & Distribution of all charitable Donations for the use of the Poor of said Town Voted, that all Grants and Donations to this Town & the Poor thereof at this distressed Season, be paid & Delivered into the Hands of the Overseers & by them [531.] Appropriated & dis- tributed, in Concert with the Coinittee lately appointed by this Town for the Consideration of the Ways & Means of Employing the Poor — — Upon a Motion made Voted, that the Clerk be directed to Pub- lish the Proceedings Adjourned to June 27*^. 10 O'Clock A. M. Port Bill adjournment. Met agreeable to Adjournment June 27**. 10 "Clock A.M. ]\P. Samuel Adams in the Chair Moved & seconded that the Comittee of Correspondence be de- sired to lay the Letters they have wrote to the other Towns and Governments since the Receipt of the Port Bill, — the question being put — Passed in the Affirmative Upon a Motion made. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to the Old South Meeting House, the Hall not being sufficient to con- tain all the Inhabitants assembled. M^ William MoUineux M^ William Cooper D"". Benj"^. Church appointed a Comittee to wait upon the Propi-ietors Committee of that House for leave to make Use of it. The Town being again met according to Adjournment — A Motion was made & passed, That all Letters received as well as the Answers returned, be laid before the Town and read After the Town Clerk had accordingly read a Number of Letters, a Motion was made that the said Vote be so far Reconsidered, as that the Reading of all other Letters previous to the Covenant sent into the Country by the Coiniltee of Correspondence, & the Letters accompanying the same, be suspended for the present, & that the Town proceed to the Reading of said Letter & Covenant, & any other Letters that may be particularly called for 178 City Document No. 91. The said Covenant & a Number of Letters having been read, a Motion was made, that some Censure bo now passed [532 =] By the Town on the Conduct of the Comittee of Correspondence ; and that said Committee be annihilated M''. Adams, the Moderator, tlieu moved, that as the Conduct of the Comittee of Correspondence for this Town, of which he had iLie Honor of being a Member, is now to be considered, another Moderator might be chosen Pro Tempore. The Hon*^'®. Thomas Cushing Esq. was accordingly chosen Mod- erator during that Debate The Motion for Censuring «& annihilating the Coinii tee of Cor- respondence was considerd & tlie Gentlemsn in favor of the Motion patiently heard "; but it being dark ; and these declaring that they had farther to offer — - Voted, that the Consideration thereof be referred to the Adjourn- ment Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Tuesdiy next 10 O'clock . Tuesday June 28. 10 O'Clock met according Adjournment — — The Motion for Censuring & Annihilating the Comittee of Cor- respondence again Considered, & after long Debates the Question was accordingly put ; which passed in the Negative by a great Majority It was then moved, that the following Vote be passed. Viz'. "That the Town bear open Testimony that they are abundantly satisfied of the upright Intentions, and much approve the honest Zeal of the Comittee of Correspondence & desire that they would persevere with their usual Activity & Firmness, continuing sted- fast in the Way of well Doing — And the Question being put, passed in the Affirmative by a Fasi M ijori'y [523,] The Committee on Ways & Means for employing the Poor acquaint the Town, that they had met, & had received very encouraging Accounts of the Readiness of their Sister Colonies to assist us ; & various Proposals from Sundry Persons for employing the Poor, upon which they were deliberating, but were not yet pre- l^ared to Report — They therefore required further Time to Report, which was allowed them M^ Samuel Adams in the Chair A Motion made that this Meeting be adjourned to Tuesday the 19'^ of July 10 O'clock A M. to meet at Faneuil Hall, and ihe Meeting was adjourned accordingly. May Meeting Adjournment Monday July 4"^ 10 O'Clock Town met according to Adjourn- ment. Moved & seconded, that the Vote lately passed, — referring the Consideration of the Petition of a Nuaiber of the Inhabitants, Thut there might be a public Well on Dock Square, be now recon- sidered, & that the Town now be Dug &c. after some Debate the Motion was withdrawn Upon a Motion made & seconded. Voted, that the Thanks of this Town be, & hereby are given to our worthy Friends of the Boston Town Records, 1774. 179 Town of Windham for their late generous Donation to those Peo- ple in this Town, who are now Suffering by the Operation of the Boston Port Bill, so called. Moved & Voted, That the Consideration of Grants & Salaries be referred to Tuesday the 19"^ Day of July 9 "'Clock A. M. That Article in the Warrant Viz'. " To determine upon proper Methods for preserving of Beacon Hill," was read & Considared, whereupon a Motion made, that the Selectmen be directed & ini- powered, as Agents of the Town to prosecute M^ Hudson for Encroachments on Beacon Hill ; this Motion subsided [5^4.] And M'. Thomas Hudson being |)resent, he proposed in Order that- a final Determination may be made relative to the Dispute between him & the Town about Beacon Hill, he was willing that the same should be settled by five indifferent persons to be mu- tually chosen by the Town & himself, they or a major part of them to award what Damages the Town has sustained by his dig- ging away, or undermining said Hill ; & also what Sum the Town shall give him for such Part of his Lands, as shall be judo;ed nec- essary for the Preservation of said Hill — The Question being put — Whether the Town will agree to the above Proposals — Passed in the Affirmative The Town then proposed Capt. William Heath of Roxbury & Deacon John Frattingham of Charlestown, as Referees on the Part of the Town, which M"". Hudson approved of — M''. Samuel How of Dorchester &, M"". Nathanael Brown of Charlestown, were pro- posed by M"^. Hudson, as Referees, and approved of by the Town — It was agreed by the parties that M". Lemuel Robinson of Dor- chester be the fifth Man Moved & Voted that M"". David Jeffries Town Treasurer, be & hereby is directed & impowered in behalf of the Town, to execute such Bonds of Submission, as shall be thought necessary for a Compliance with the Award of the Referees Voted. That the Time limited for finishing & bringing in the forementioned Award by the Referees, be the 5'^ of September next Voted, That Col. Thomas Marshall John Scollay Esq. M". Ohvcr Wendell be & hereby are appointed & impowered as a Comittee, to appear before the Referees «&; make Representation in behalf of the Town Upon a Motion made & seconded, Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be, & hereby are given to our worthy Friends, the Inhabitants of the Town of Windham in the Colony of Connec- ticutt , for the kind [535.] And generous Assistance they have granted this Town under its present Distress & Calamity, involun- tarily — sending 258 Sheep, as a Present for the Relief of the Poor, industrious Inhabitants of this Place, who by a late oppres- sive & cruel Act of Parliament for blocking up the Harlior of Boston, are prevented getting Subsistence for themselves & Fam- ilies 180 City Document No. 91. Voted, That the Town Clerk be directed to transmit an attested Copy of the above Vote of Thanks to the Town of Windham Voted, That this Meeting be adjourned to Thursday the 19*^. of July instant, 9 O'Clock Forenoon May Meeting Adjournment Thursday July 19"". 9 O'Clock A.M. Met according to Adjourn- ment Voted, That the Sum of Eight Thousand Pounds be raised by a Tax upon Polls & Estates within this Town, for Relief of the poor & defraying other necessary Charges arising within the Town the ensuing Year Voted, That the Sum of One Hundred & Twenty Pounds be al- lowed & paid unto M*". John Lovel for his Salary as Master of the South Grammar School for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly, as it shall become due, & to Commence at the Ex- piration of the last Quarter Voted, That the Sum of One hundred & Twenty Pounds be al- lowed & paid unto M"". Samuel Hunt for his Salary, as Master of the North Grammar School, for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly, as it shall become due, & to Commence at the Expiration of the last Quarter Voted, That the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed & paid unto M^ James Carter, for his Salary, as Master of the Writ- ing School in Queen -Street, for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly, as it shall become due, & to commence at the Expiration of the last Quarter [526.] Voted, That the Sum of One hundred Pounds be al- lowed & paid unto M^ Samuel Holbrook for his Salary, as Master of the Writing School in the Common the Year ensuing the same to be paid him quarterly, as it shall become due, & to Commence at the Expiration of the last Quarter Voted, That the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed & paid unto M'. James Tileston, for his Salary, as Master of the North Writing School, the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quar- terly, as it shall become due, and to Commence at the Expiration of the last Quarter Voted, That the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed & paid unto M'. James Lovel, for his Salary, as Usher of the South Grammar School, for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly, as it shall become due, & to commence at the Expiration of the last Quarter Voted, that the further Sum of Forty pounds be allowed & paid unto M^ James Lovel, as Encouragement for him to remain & exert himself in the service of the Town the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, & lo com- mence at the Expiration of the last Quarter Voted, That the Sum of Fifty Pounds, be allowed & paid unto M^ Abiah Holbrook, for his Salaiy, as Usher of the Writing School in Queen-Street, the ensuing Year the same to bs paid him quarterly, as it shall become due, and to commence at the Expira- tion of the last Quarter Boston Town Records, 1774. 181 Voted, That the Sum of Forty Pounds bo allowed & paid unto M''. William Doll for his Salary, as Usher of the writing School, at the North Part of the Town the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him quarterly, as it shall become due, & to Commence at the Ex- piration of the last Quarter [537.] Voted, That the Sum of Thirty four Pounds be al- lowed & paid unto M^ Samuel Holbrook, Master of the Writing School in the Common, for providing an Assistant the Year ensu- ing, the same to be paid him quarterly, as it shall become due, & to commence at the Expiration of the last Quarter ■ Voted, That the further Sum of Sixteen pounds be allowed & paid unto M"". Samuel Holbrook, Master of the Writing School in the Common for procuring further Help, untill an Usher can be provided for him Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds (besides the Thirty Pounds already granted him) be allowed & paid out of the Town Treasury, unto M'. David Jeffries as Treasurer of the Town, the Year past, & for all his Expences in that OtHce. Upon a Motion made by M^ Samuel Holbrook he was allowed to withdraw his Petition. Voted, That this Meeting be adjourned to the last Wednesday in August next, being the 31'. — 10 "'Clock forenoon July 19*'^. 11 O'clock. Town met agreeable to the Adjournment of the Boston Port Bill Meeting The Comittee on Ways & Means Reported verbally, that they had been considering of the best Methods to Employ the Poor ; & informed the Town, "That the building a Wharff from the South End, leading to Dorchester Neck, & a House or Two on the Town's Lands, at that Part of the Town was what they thought might be of Service : That they had other Proposals to make in some future Time ; but that for the present, the Comittee desired the Sense of the Town, with Respect to the Expediency of employ- ing a Number of Inhabitants now out of Employ, in Carrying on a Wharff" It having been moved, that the CoiBittee on Ways & Means for Employing the Poor, have Libert}'^ to build any Wharff or Dam upon the Town's Land at the South End — " It was \_5'2S.'\ Voted, That the Comittee appointed to distribute the several Donations that may be made for the Relief & Employ- ments of such Persons, as are Sufferers by means of the Poit^Bill, have leave to build a Wharff upon the Town's Lands & Flatts (ad- joining to Curtis & May's Land) not exceeding 200 feet at present, from High Water Mark ; or if M^ Cobb will give his Flatts, with a sufficient Passage Way of 28 feet from the Street, without a Consideration, that the Committee have Leave to carry it from the said Cobb's, provided they shall think it more advantageous. Adjourned to 3 O'Ciock P.M. 3 O'clock P.M. Met according to Adjournment It having been represented by Two of the Gentlemen Overseers, that they could not discharge their Duty, as a Committee ou Ways 182 City Document No. 91. t & Means, l)y Reason of their other Business, & the Sickness of some of their Bod}' — It was moved, & the Question accordingly put — That the Overseers be discharged from the Duly assigned them, as a Cofiiittee on Ways & Means," which passed in the Affirmative A Motion made, that an Addition may now be made to the Comittee on Ways & Means — passed in the Affirmative. Voted, that fourteen Gentlemen be the Addition and that they be chose by Ballot. On a Motion made. Voted, that the Choice of Gentlemen for the Coihittee on Ways & Means, be referred to 7 o'Clock in the Even- ing, & that a Coiiiittee of 24 Gentlemen, Six of 9Fhom to be from the North, twelve from the middle, & Six from the South, part of the Town, be appointed to consider of a proper List to be pro- posed to the Town for this Addition to the Comittee on Ways & Means Voted that Captain Edward Procter Cap'. Fortesque Vernon [539.] M^ Alexander Hill M'. Paul Reviere Cap'. William Mackay M.John White M^ William Whitwel M. Edward Payne D'. John Greanleaf M'". John Brown M''. Isaac Peirce D"". Joseph "Warren Benj*. Austin Esq. M^ Daniel Waldo John Scollay Esq. M^ Oliver Wendell Capt. Samuel Partridge M^ Peter Boyer Major Tho^ Daws Tho'. Crafts jun^ AVilliam Lowder M^ John Preston M^ Samuel May Joshua Henshaw jun''. be a Comittee for the foregoing Purpose. Moved & seconded that the Vote passed in the Morning, relative to a Wharff being built, he reconsidered and the Question being put — Passed in the Affirmative It was moved & Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to call a Meeting on Tuesday the 22"^. instant, 10 ".Clock A.M. to consider of such Propossals as may be made by the Comittee on Ways & Means, or on any other Proposals relative to the present Exigency of our Affairs. _ The Comittee to prepare a List for an Addition to the Comittee ou Ways & means having Reported — Voted, that Boston Town Records, 1774. 183 Capt. Fortesque Vernon M''. Edward Procter M^ John White M'. Gibbins Sharp Capt. William Mackay [530.] M^ Thomas Greealeaf Capt. Samuel Partridge Benj'^. Austin Ksq. M^ Jonathan Mason M". John Brown M^ James Richardson M-". Tho^ Crafts jun^ M^ Henry Hill Joshua Henshaw .iun^ Be the Coinittee on Ways & Means in Addition to the Eleven Gentlemen before chosen. Voted, That M^ David Jeffries be added to this Comittee on Ways & Means, and that he be the Treasurer of said Committee. — Also Voted, that Five Gentlemen of this Comittee be a quorum. Upon a Motion made, Voted, that M''. Samuel Adams Josiah Quiucy Esq. John Adams Esq. D^ Benj^ Church D"^. Joseph Warren The Hon"^ John Hancock Esq. D^ Tiiomas Young Re v^ Charles Chauncy D. D. Eev"^. Samuel Mather D. D. The Hon''l^ Tho^ Cushing Esq. D''. Charles Jarvis Be a Comittee to consider & Report a Declaration to be made by this Town to Great Britain & all the World. Voted, That this Meeting be adjourned to Tuesday the 26 of July instant, 9 O'Clock A.M. Tuesday July 26"*. 9 o'Clock forenoon met according to Adjourn- ment of Port Bill Meeting Whereas a Vote was passed this Meeting, Viz* on the 12. day of June 1774 whereb}^ the following Gentlemen, Viz*. [531.] M^ Samuel Adams John Rowe Esq. Thomas Boylston Esq. William Phillips Esq. D"". Joseph Warren John Adams Esq. Josiah Quincy Esq. Thomas Cushing Esq. M''. Henderson Inches M^ William Mollineux M"". Nathaniel Appleton 184 CiTr Document No. 91. were appointed to take the several Proposals that have been made, relative to our Conduct in the present Exigency into Consideration & report And at an Adjournment of the former Meeting, Viz'., on the 17 day of June 1774, the following Vote was passed Viz'., Tliat all Grants & Donations to this Town, & the poor thereof at this dis- tressed Season, be paid & delivered into the Hanils of the Over- seers of the poor in this Town, & by them appropriated & dis- tributed in Concert with the Comittee lately appointed by this Town for the Consideration of Ways & Means of Employing the poor. And at a further Adjournment of the same Meeting viz', on the 19'^. day of July instant, the Overseers of the poor, for Reasons offered by them, did desire to be discharged from farther services, touching the Receiving & Distributing Donations, as above men- tioned, & the Town did then Vote that Capt. Fortesque Vernon Capt. Edward Procter M^ John White M^ Gibbins Sharp Cap'. Will". Mackay M^ Tho^ Greenough Capt. Samuel Partridge Benjamin Austin Esq. M^ Jonathan Mason M^ John Brown M^ James Richardson M^ Thomas Crafts jun^ [533.] M'. Henry Hill M^ Joshua Henshaw jun^ & M'. David Jeffries be added to the first named Comittee — therefore — Voted, that the Gentlemen, whose Names are aftermention'd Viz'. M^ Samuel Adams John Rowe Esq. M". Tho' Boy Is ton Esq. William Phillips Esq. D^ Joseph Warren John Adams Esq. Josiah Quincy Esq. Tho'. Cushing Esq. M^ Henderson Inches M'. Will'". Mollineux M'. Nath'. Appleton Capt. Fortesque Vernon Capt. Edward Proctor M^ John White M'. Gibbins Sharp Capt. Will™. Mackay M^ Tho'. Greenough Capt. Samuel Partridge Benjamin Austin Esq. Boston Town Records, 1774. 185 M''. Jonathan Mason M"". John Brown M''. James Richardson M^ Tho^ Crafts jun^ M' Henry Hill M'. Joshua Henshaw jun'. M^ David Jeffries_ Bo & hereby are appointed the Comittee to receive all Donations that have been, or may be made for the Employment or Relief of such Inhabitants of this Town, as maj' be Sufferers for Want of Employment in their several Occupations, by means of the Act of the British Parliraent for shutting up the Harbour of Boston, & to appropriate, improve or distribute the same for the Purpose afore- said, according to their best Discretion ; the said Comittee to be accountable to the Town. [533.] Voted, That all Matters and Things which remain un- finished be referred over to the next Meeting. Then the Meeting was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duly qualified & legally warned, in public Meet- ing assembled at Faneuil Hall, on Tuesday the 26 day of July, 10 o'clock forenoon A. D. 1774. Warrant for Calling the Meeting read M^ Samuel Adams Moderator. That Article of the Warrant, Viz*., " To determine on the Ex- pediency of appointing a Comittee of Seven by Ballot for the Purpose of Consulting proper Measures to be adopted for the com- mon Safet}', during these Exigencies of our public Affairs, which may reasonably be expected, when the Acts of the British Parlia- ment, altering the Course of Justice, and annihilating our free Con- stitution, shall be enforced in the Province ; the Committee to make Report" — was read, & after some Debate, the Question was put — "-Whether it be the Mind of the Town, that a Comittee of Seven Men be now appointed by Ballot for the Purpose of Consid- ering of proper Measures to be adopted for the Common Safety, during those Exigencies of our Public Affairs, which may reason- ably be expected, when the Acts of the British Parliament, altering the Course of Justice & annihilating our free Constitution, shall be enforced in the Province ; the Coinittee to make Report" — Passed in the Affermative The Inhabitants were then directed to withdraw & bring in their Votes for said Comittee, & upon sorting them it appeared that [534.] The Hon'''^ James Bowdoin Esq. M'. Samuel Adams John Adams Esq. The Hon"^ John Hancock Esq. William Phillips Esq. D"". Joseph Warren Josiah Quincy Esq. were chose a Committee for the Purpose aforesaid That Article in the Warrant, Viz'. " To consider of what Meas- 186 City Document No. 91. ures are right & proper for the Town to adopt at this Time, rela- tive to the same Act of the British Parliament — were read & considered, whereupon Voted, that Josiah Quincy Ksq. M"". Samuel Adams -..--. excused Joseph Greenleaf Esq. William Phillips Esq. Be a CoiSittee forthwith to draw up & repoi't for the Consideration of this Town, a Lotter to be sent to the other Towns, relative to the Two Bills for altering the Constitution of this Province That Article in the Warrant Viz'. " To take the Sense of the Town, relative to the Buildin'^^ One or more Houses, building one or more Vessels, repairing or paving the public Streets, erecting, or enlarging Wharves on the Town's Land, or any other public Work (to be carried on by means arising from Voluntary Dona- tions) for the Employment of the poor of the Town of Boston, at this Time of general Calamity " — was read & considered ; where- upon the Question was put — Whether the Town do approve of the Methods expressed in the Warrant for the Employment of those who may be suffering bj'^ the Port Bill, & do give Leave to the Coinittee appointed to consider of Ways & Means for that Purpose ; to employ Persons in erecting or enlarging Wharves, building Vessels and Houses on the Town's Lands, or doing any other Work or Business, which they shall judge prudent or neces- sary ; [535.] The same to be carried on by Monies arising from voluntary Donations" — Passed in the Affirmative unanimously That Article in the Warrant, Viz'. " To consider whether the Town will sell any, & what Part of the real Estate belonging to the Town, lying within the Limits thereof" — was read, & after some Debate, it was moved, & Voter!, that this Article of the Warrant be passed over, & referred to some luture Time for Consideration The Coinittee to pr^^pare a Letter to be sent to the other Towns, relative to the Two Bills for altering the Constitution of this Prov- ince, Reported a Draught, which was accepted Paragraph by Paragraph, and is as follows, Viz'., Friends & Brethren, Our public Calamities have, for a Series of Years, been en- creasing, both in Number & Weight. We have endeavoured under all our public Misfortunes, to conduct as good Citizens in a Common Cause. Being stationed by Providence in the Front Rank of the Conflict, it hath been our Aim to behave with Vigi- '.mce, Activity & Firmness — To warn our Brethren of approach- xig Danger, to encounter with becoming Spirit the Trials of our Patience, hath been our Aim & our Duty. Our Friends & gener- ous Countrymen have given us Reason to think we have not altogether failed in our honest Endeavours in the Way of this Duty. Two Acts of Parliament, altering the Course of Justice & an- nihilating our free Constitution of Government, are every day expected. When we consider the Conduct of our late worthy House of Rep- Boston Town Records, 1774. 187 resentatives, relative to our Superior Court Judges, & their Im- peachment of the Hon'''® Peter Oliver Esq. fo'r his accepting a Salary from the Crown, in his Office of Chief Justice, & when we consider the uniform Spirit and Conduct of the several Grand Jur- ors tho' the Province, [536.] Touching the same Grievances since that Impeachment ; we cannot but suppose the aforemen- tioned Acts will bring on a most important & decisive Trial You, Gentlemen, our Friends, Countrymen & Benefactors, may possibly look towards us at this great Crisis. We trust that we shall not be left of Heaven to do any thing derogatory to our Common Liberties, unworthy the Fame of our Ancestors, or incon- sistent with our former Professions & Conduct Though surrounded with a large Body of armed Men (who hav- ing the Sword have also our Blood in their Hands) we are yet un- daunted ; we trust in the God of our Fathers, & we feel the an- imating Support of a good Cause ; but which suffering the double Weight of Oppression & exasperated by a military Camp in the very Bowels of our Town, our Minds are not more in a Temper to DELIBERATE, than our Bodies in a situation to move, as the Perils & Exigencies of the Times may probably demand. To you. Gentlemen, our Brethren & dear Companions in the Cause of God & our dmntry we apply, from you we have received that Coimtenatice & Aid, which has strengthened our Hands, & that Bounty, which has occasioned Smiles on the Face of Distress. To you, therefore, we look for that Wisdom, Advice & Example which, giving Strength to our Understandings & Vigor to our Ac- tions, shall with the Blessing of Ood save us from Destruction. Looking up to Heaven, and, under Divine Direction, to our Brethren in the Country & on the Continent, for Aid & Support, & with earnest Prayers for a happy Issue out of our Great Trou- bles, we are, Your Friends & Brethren, The Inhabitants of Boston, Upon a Motion made. Voted, that a printed Copy of the following Letter to our Brethren in the sev- eral Towns & Districts in the Province be forthwith signed by the Town Cleik, & transmitted by the Comittee of Correspond- ence, in the Name & Behalf of the Town. Adjourned to Tuesday the 9* of August, 10 o'Clock Fore- noon. [537.] August 9''" 1774 — 10 o'Clock forenoon — Met Accord- ing to Adjournment. Warrant for calling the Meeting — read The Coinittee on Ways & Means for employing the Poor ; & receiving & aplying the Donations that have & may be made them at this distressing Season, Reported verbally, " That it was their Opinion, that the poor of our Sister Town of Charlestown, were suffering with us, under the Operation of the Boston Port Bill, ought to share with our poor in those Donations" — upon which it was moved, &, the Question accordingly put, "Whether our Sister Town of Charlestown is equitably intitled to a certain part of the Donations that are & may be received for the Employ- 188 City Document No. 91. ment & Relief of such Persons as are Sufferers by the Operation of the Boston Poit'Bill, which passed in the Affermative, unani- mously — also moved that whereas the Town of Charlestown have had an Encouragement from the Comittee on Ways & Means, that they were to receive seven p Cent out of the Donations men- tioned above, said Coiiiittee ma}' now accordingly be directed to apply for their Relief out of said Donations, in the Proportion of seven p Cent — and the Question being put, passed in the Aflir- mative The Coinitte on "Ways & Means, reported further, That they had thought it expedient to erect a House at the South Part of the Town, on the Town's Land, for the Employment of Tradesmen, & now out of Work, provided the Town will furnish the Materials wanted for such a Building, upon Condition, that the Coinitte on Ways & Means defrny the whole Amount of the Labour, out of the Donations they have received." Upon whicli it was moved, that the Report be accepted, & that the Town give their Consent, that the Coinittee should erect such a Building on the Land as was proposed, & that the Town Treasurer be directed to borrow upon Interest the Money necessary to purchase said Materials — & the Question being put — Passed in the Negative Jt was moved & seconded, that a Comittee be now appointed to make Appraisment of the Land at the South End, upon which a House had been pi'oposed to be erected; and [538.] That the CoiSittee on Ways & Means might have said Land at the ap- praised Value for the Purpose aforesaid — and the Question being put — Passed in the Negative It having been suggested, as probable, that some Towns in the Country were about applying for a Meeting of Deputies from the several Towns in the County, — It was moved that some Measures might be taken for appointing Deputies, in Case a County Meeting should be called ; whereupon Voted, That the Coinittee of Cor- respondence for this Town be, & hereby are appointed & directed to choose a Comittee to attend the County Congress, — provided Application should be made for that Purpose Upon a Motion made, Voted, that the Selectmen be added to the Coinittee now chosen, to appoint suitable Persons for the Coun- ty Congress, in Case Application should be made for that Pur- pose — Also Voted, that this Comittee consist of five Persons. Adjourned to the last Tuesday in October next, 10 O'Clock A.M. At an Ajournment of the May Meeting Tuesday August 30"*. 1774. 10 O'clock Before Noon. A Motion was made & seconded that a Moderator for this Meet- ing be chose by a Hand Vote in the Room of M^ Sam'. Adams now attending the Congress. John ScoUay Esq, was unanimously chosen a Moderator in the Room of M"". Adams now absent. The Coinittee chosen by the Town were not ready to make their Report, at this Meeting, though called upon for this Purpose. A Motion was made & seconded — " That the Sense of the Town Boston Town Records, 1774. 189 be taken, Whether the Coinittee ou Ways & Means for employ- ing the Poor, be allowed & impowered [539.] If they shall judge it proper, to lay out a Brick Yard ou Boston Neck for the making of Bricks — and the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Affirmative A Motion was made that a Vote passed the 4"\ of July last, for not reconsidering a Vote passed the 13'^. of May, appointing a Coinittee to consider the Petition of a Number of the Inhabitants, " That a public Well may be dug, & a Pump fixt upon Dock Square, for the farther Preservation of the Town from Fire, & the Accom- odation of the Inhabitants in that Neighbourhood with Water," which Coinittee was ordered to make Report at next March Meet- ing ; be now reconsidered — & the Question being put — Passed in the Affirmative — also Voted, that the Coiiiittee appointed to consider of Ways & Means for employing the Poor of this Town, now out of Business by the Operation of the Port Bill, so called, be allowed & impow- ered to make such an Agreement with the Petitioners for a Well to be dug on Dock Square, as said Comittee may apprehend to be for the Advantage of the Town. Upon a Motion made, that there be a short Adjournment of this Meeting, in Order to receive the Report of a Committee, now sub- sisting, to judge of the Expediency of filling up the Dock, &c. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Tuesday the \S^ of Sept^ next 10 o'Clock before noon — and the Meeting was accord- ingly adjourned At an Adjournment of the May Meeting September 13"^. 1774, 10 o'clock forenoon John Scollay Esq. chosen Moderator Pro Tempore of this Meet- ing, being now out of Town, it was moved, and [540o] Voted, That the Town proceed to the Choice of a Mod- erator Pro Tempore. Moved & Voted, that the Choice of a Moderat^ pro. temp, be b}- a hand Vote. Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq. was chose a Moderator during the Ab- sence of the other Moderator The Chairman of the Coinittee appointed to consider the Expe- diency of filling up the Town Dock, Repoi'ted verbally, that they were not yet able to make a full Report, & as John Ruddock Esq. is now dead, they pray the Town that another Gentleman may be appointed in his Room. The Question being put, viz'. "Whether the Town will make any Addition to the Coinittee on filling up the Dock — Passed in th3 Affirmative M^ Joshua Blanchard was added to the Comittee relative to Dock Square in the Room of John Ruddock Esq. deceased. Voted, That the foregoing Coinittee be desired to report to the Town ; as may be convenient. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to the last Tuesday in September next 9 O'Clock A.M. being 21"'. Day At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duely qualified, & legally warned, in public Town 190 City Document No. 91. Meeting assembled at Fanueil Hall on Wednesday the 25*. Day of September Anno Domini 1774 Prayer was made by the Reverend D'. Mather The Precept & Warrant for calling the Meeting read Sundry Laws read [541.] John Scollay Esq. Chairman of the Selectmen pro- posed in their Names to the Inhabitants assembled, to proceed to the Choice of One or more Persons to represent them in the Great & General Court or Assembly to be holden on the 5"^. day of October next ; & in order there to consider & ascertain the number of Gentlemen to be Elected, accordingly it was Voted, to proceed to the Choice of four Representatives ; & then it was de- clared by the Selectmen, that no Votes will be received but such as are unfolded & that they propose the Poll shall be closed at 12 O'clock The Votes being brought in for four Representatives, the Num- ber of the same were found to be three Hundred & Sixty Two, & upon sorting them it appeared, that the four following Gentlemen were chosen Viz'. The Hon''^^ Thomas Gushing Esq. --»--- 862 M"". Samuel Adams _.„.. 361 The Hon"^ John Hancock Esq. ---.--= 362 William Philips Esq. 362 The Choice of Representatives being over & declared by the Select- men ; the Inhabitants were directed to witiidraw, & bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, in order that tlie Town may proceed in transacting the other Affairs mentioned in the Warrant : Accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew, & brought in their Votes, & upon sorting them it appeared, that the Hon''^®. John Hancock Esq. was chosen unanimously That Article in the Warrant Viz'. "To consider what Instruc- tions shall be given to the Gentlemen that may be chosen to repre- sent them in the said General Assembly," — was read whereupon it was moved, & the Question accordingly put. Whether it is the sense of the Town, that Instructions be given to the Gentlemen chosen to represent this Metropolis — which passed in the Nega- tive Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P.M. [543.] 3 O'clock P.M. Met according to Adjournment Tlie Article in the Warrant viz'. " To choose four Collectors of Taxes in the Room of the late Collectors, who decline serving " — wns read — and after some Debate Voted, That the Consideration of the Choice of Collectors of Taxes, in the Room of those who decline serving, shall subside for the present A Motion made that a Number of Resolves respecting a Provin- cial Congress, handed in to the Town might be now read & con- sidered & the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Negative Moved & seconded, that the Vote passed in the Morning for not Boston Town Records, 1774. 19L Instructing the Gentlemen chosen to represent this Town, be now reconsidered, & after considerable Debate on the Motion Voted, that the farther Consideration thereof be referred till Tomorrow afternoon 3 O'Clock Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned till Tomorrow 3 O'Clock Afternoon Thursday September the 22**. Town met according to Adjourn- ment The Motion for reconsidering the Vote passed for not Instruct- ing the Gentlemen chosen to represent us, again taken up, & the Question being put — Whether said Vote shall be reconsidered, passed in the Affirmative The Article in the Warrant, Viz'. "To consider what Instruc- tions shall be given to the Gentlemen that may be chosen to re- present this Town in General Assembly," again read, & after some Debate the Question was put — Whether Instructions shall be given our Representatives, which passed in the Affirmative unani- mously. [543.] Voted, That D^ Joseph Warren D"". Benjamin Church Benjamin Kent Esq. Joseph Greenleaf Esq. M'. John Pitts Be, & hereby are appointed a Coinittee to prepare Instructions for our Representatives, the same to be Reported Upon a Motion made & seconded, Voted, That Three Persons be now appointed & impowered, in Addition to our four Repre- sentatives, to our four Representatives, to join with the Members who may be sent from the Neighbouring Towns in the Province, at a Time to be agreed on, in a General Provim-ial Congress, to act upon such Matters, as may then come before them, in such a man- ner as shall appear to them must conducive to the true Interest of this Town & Province, & most likely to preserve the Liberties of all America. The Inhabitants were then directed to withdraw, & bring in their Votes for three Persons accordingly ; & the Votes being brought in & sorted, it appeared that the following Gentlemen. Viz'. D"". Joseph Warren D''. Benjamin Church M'. Nathaniel Appleton « were chosen Members of the Provincial Congress for the Purpose aforesaid Upon a Motion made, Voted, that the Committee appointed to prepare Instructions for our Representatives, be directed to set immediataly, & Report as soon as possible. The Coinittee appointed to prepare Instructions for our Repre- sentatives reported the following Draught, which was accepted by the Town — Viz'. To the Hon''^^ Thomas Gushing Esq. M^ Samuel Adams The Hon*''®. John Hancock Esq. William Phillips Esq. 192 City Document No. 91. Gentlemen, As we have now chosen you to represent us in the Great & General Court, to be holden at Salem, ou VVednesday, the 5*^. Day of October next ensuing, we do hereby instruct you, that in all your Doings, as Members of the House of Representa- tives, you adhere firmly to the Charter of this Piovince, granted by their Majesties King William & Queen Mary, & that you do no act, - which can possibly be construed into an Acknowleg- ment of the Act of the British Parliament, for altering the Gov- ernment of Massachusetts' Bay ; more especially that 3'ou acknowl- ege the Hon*"'^. Board of Counsellors, elected by the General Court at their Sessions in May last, as the only rightful & consti- tutional Council of this Province. — And, as we have Reason to believe that a Conscientious Discharge of your Duty will produce your Dissolution, as an House of Representatives — We do hereby impower & instruct you to join with the Members, who may be sent from this & the Neighbouring Towns in the Province, & to meet with them on a time to be agreed on, in a General Provincial Congress, to act upon such Matters, as maj' come before you, in such a manner, as shall appear to you most conducive to the true Interest of this Town & Province, & most likely to preserve the Liberties of all America Voted, That this Meeting be dissolved and it was accordingby dissolved. At an Adjournment of the May Meeting, Tuesday October the 25'^. 1774 — 9 O'clock before Noon. John Scollay Esq'', pro Temp. Moderator of this Meeting, be- ing by Reason of Indisposition prevented giving [545.] His Attendance, & Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq. the other pro Temp. Moderator, being out of Town, a Motion was made & passed that another Gentleman be chosen by a Hand Vote William Phillips Esq. was accordingly chosen Moderator of this Meeting, during the Absence of the other Gentlemen A Motion made & carried, that an Overseer of the Poor be now chosen in the Room of William White Esq. deceased The Town brought in their Votes accordingly & upon sorting them it appeared, that M^ John White was unanimously chosen an Overseer of the Poor for the Remain- der of the Year. The Coihittee appointed to consider of the Expediency of filling up the Dock &*^. acquainted the Town, that they were desirous of a farther Time for making their Report — Whereupon it was Voted, that a farther Time be accordingly allowed them, & that they be desired to make Report at the Adjournment M''. James Foster Coudy was chosen a Clerk of the Market for the Remainder of the Year, in the Room of M^ John Smith, latel}' removed out of this Town. A Motion made & seconded, that when this meeting shall be Boston Town Records, 1774. 193 adjourned, it may be to the first Wednesday in December next, 9 O'clock before Noon. Voted, that this Meeting be accordingly adjourned to Wednes- day the seventh Day of December next ensuing, 9 O'Clock A. M. At an Adjournment of the Port Bill Meeting Tuesday October 25*. 1774. 10 O'clock before Noon. [546.] M^ Samuel Adams, the Moderator of this Meeting being being now at the Continental Congress, it was moved that a Pro. Temp. Moderator be now chosen by a Hand Vote William Phillips Esq. Avas accordingly chosen Moderator of this Meeting Pro. Tem. A Motion made that some Method may be pursued to prevent Bickerings & Disputes with the Troops in this Town during the Winter, & such Insults as have been given the Inhabitants by the Soldiery, at Boston Neck & Chalestovvu Ferry — and after some Debates the following Votes were Passed — Viz*. Whereas Affrays may happen, by Reason of the Soldiers being quartered in this Town, and the Inhabitants are desirous to pre- serve Peace & good Order — therefore Voted, that a Comittee be appointed to wait upon the Governor to consult upon such Waj^s & Means, as are not likely to procure this desirable Effect, & to report as soon as may be '■ Voted, that William Phillips Esq. M"^. James Richardson IF. Jonathan Mason ]\r. William Whitwel vP. Samuel Partridge John Scollay Esq. Thomas Marshall Esq. be a Coinittee to wait upon the Governor for the Purpose afore- said On a Motion made, that Ten Persons be added to the Comittee to consider of Ways & Means for employing the poor Sufferers by the Operation of the Boston Port Bill, so called. Voted, that M'. Daniel Waldo M'. William Whitwell [547.] Capt. John Pulling M^ Peter Boyer M". Samuel May M^ John Avery jun'. M^ William Boardman M^ John Soley Cap*. Nehemiah Soames M^ John Preston be & hereby are added to the CoSoittee on Ways & Means for supplying the Poor On a Motion made, Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Tuesday next, being the 1*. Day o'f November 10 O'Clock fore- noon At an Adjournment of the Port Bill Meeting Tuesday Novem- ber 1' 10 O'clock before Noon 194 City Document No. 91. The Coinittee appointed to wait upon bis Excellency the Gov- ernor, Reported, That they had had a Conference with the Governor agreable to the Vote of the Town, who declared he was ready to do every thing in his Power to promote the Peace and Good Order of the Town After considerable Debate, it was moved, and the Question accordinglj/ put — Whether the Report shall be accepted & it passed in the Affirmative Voted, That this Meeting be adjourned to Thursday next 3 O'clock Afternoon At an Adjournment of the Port Bill Meeting Thursday No- vember 3^ 1774 — 3 O'clock Afternoon A Motion made & the Question accordingly put, Whether a Coinittee shall be appointed to take into Consideration, what are the proper Ways & Means to secure the Peace & good Order of the Town — Which passed in the Affirmative Voted, that William Phillips Esq. Moderator John Scollay Esq. [548.] The Hon'^'^ John Hancock Esq. M^ Timothy Newell Thomas Marshall Esq. M^ Samuel Austin M^ Oliver Wendell M^ John Pitts D"". Joseph Warren D'. Benjamin Church M^ Thomas Boylston Be, & hereby are appointed a Committee, to consider & report at the Adjournment, what are the proper Ways and Means to se- cure the Peace & good Order of the Town Voted, That this Meeting be adjourned to Monday next, 3 O'clock Afternoon At an Adjournment of the Port Bill Meeting — Thursday No- vember S**. 1774, 3 O'clock Afternoon The Comittee appointed to take into Consideration what are the proper Ways & Means to secure the Peace & good Order of the Town, Reported as follows, Viz'. Whereas sundry Regiments of his Majesty's Troops are, con- trary to Law, & to the great Annoyance & Detriment of his Majes- ty's good Subjects of this Province, now stationed in the Town of Boston, in a Time of profound Peace, for the avowed Purpose of carrying into Execution, sundry Acts of the British Parliament, tending to enslave the People, & to subvert the Constitution of this Province, which it is our Duty to protest against upon all Occasions, yet nevertheless, we, the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, in Town Meeting legally assembled, — taking into seri- ous Consideration, the distressed Circumstances of this Metropo- lis, & being anxious still to use our best Endeavours to preserve that Decency & Order, for which the Town has ever been remark- able ; relying on the Justice of our Cause [549.] And confiding in the united Endeavors of the Colonies, the Wisdom of the Conti- nental Congress, the Justice & Clemency of our Sovereign, & the Boston Town Records, 1774. n>5 Smiles of Divine Providence, that our Grievances, will shortly be redressed, & our unalienable & precious Rights, Liberties and Privileges, be restored & secured to us, upon a Just & permanent Basis — Therefore we recommend, That as his Excellency the Governor has assured the Town, that he will do all in his Power to secure the Peace & good Order of the Town ; That the Town on their Part will exert their best Endeavors to effect the same desirable Purpose, & to this End would augment the Town Watch to the Number of Twelve Men in each Watch ; and it is recommended to the Selectmen, that they increase the Watch to the Number of Twelve Men in each Watch House, for the security & Safety of the Inhabitants, & that they be directed to Patrole the Streets of the Town for the whole Night the ^^ in- ter Season And, it is earnestly desired that his Majesty's Justices of the Peace, & other Peace-Officers, would exert their Authority for the Observance of the Laws, & Preservation of Peace & Order ; & that when they hear of any Disturbance, they would not wait for a Complaint but call on the Inhabitants, who will at all Times be ready in assisting to disperse such Persons, or of bringing Offend- ers, of what Sort or Rank whatsoever to Justice. As in our present Situation, it is incumbent on us particularly to attend to the Peace «& good Order of the Town, it is therefore earnestly recommended to the Inhabitants to do all in their Power to prevent or suppress any Quarrels or Disturbances — And it is serioush' recommended to all Masters of Families, that they re- strain their Children & Servants from going abroad after Nine O'clock in the Evening, unless on necessary Business — And it is farther recommended to the Selectmen of the Town to enjoin upon all Retailers & Taverns of thie Town, that they strictly conform to the Laws of the Province relating to disorderly Persons — William PniLLips, p Order [550.] The foregoing Report having been read, and con- sidered Paragraph by Paragraph, the Question was put — Whether the same shall he accepted — Passed in the Affirmative Upon a Motion made. Voted, that a Coihittee be now ap- pointed to wait upon his Excellency the Govenor, & to acquaint him, that the Town, on their part, being disposed to do their ut- most to preserve Peace and good Order, have come into such Res olutions, as they apprehend conducive to so happy a Purpose. • Voted, that John Scollay Esq. Tiie Hon''''^ John Hancock Esq. M^ Timothy Newell Thomas Marshall Esq. M'. Samuel Austin M^ Oliver Wendell M"". James Pitts D'. Joseph Warrea D'. Benj\ Church M'. Thomas Boylston William Phillips Esq. Moderator be a Committee for the Purpose aforesaid — also 196 City Document No. 91. Voted, that the foregoing Committee be & they hereby are in- structed to confer with the Governor upon such Matters as have been mentioned by D" Church in this Meeting Upon a Motion made, Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to give Orders for the Lighting of the Lamps, when they shall think it proper. _ Voted, that a CoiSittee be now chosen to procure Subscriptions for the Purpose of Lighting of the Town Lamps. [551.] On a Motion made, Voted, that the above Vote re- specting Subscriptions for lighting the Lamps be reconsidered Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Wednesday December 7'^ 10 o'clock A. M. At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, legally warned, at Faneuil Hall, December 7"^ 1774, by Adjournment of the May Meeting from October 25*- The former Moderator being absent a Motion was made & car- ried for choosing a Moderator Pro Tempore by a hand Vole Jonathan Williams Esq. was chosen Moderator, Pro Tempore of this Meeting. Upon a Motion made, the Vote which passed at a former Meet- ing, relative to Beacon Hill was read & considered The Town Treasurer attended by Order of the Town, & being asked, Whether the Bonds of Submission relative to the Dispute with M^ Hudson, about a Supposed Encroachments on Beacon Hill, had been executed he informed the Town that those Bonds had not been executed A Motion made by James Otis Esq. relative to Faneuil Hall, after some Debate, upon the Gentleman's own Motion he had Leave to withdraw it A Motion was made & seconded, that upon Account of the pres- ent Difficulties of Collecting tlie Town Taxes, that the School master & Town Clerk, shall be allowed Interest on the Sums they shall have Draughts for, until they shall have received Payment ; but the Town Treasurer being present, & acquainting the Town, that by a former Vote the Schoolmasters were allowed Interest, the Motion was withdrawn. Upon a Motion made, Voted that the Town Treasurer be, & he hereby is directed & impowered to give his Negative Vote on In- terest to the Town Clerk, f2»'] The Town were informed, that the Collectors of Taxes for the present Year had declined quaifying themselves agreeable to a Vote of the Town, & refused taking the Books from ihe As- sessors upon the usual Terras — After considerable Debate upon this Matter; — It was the Sense of the Town that Nothing far- ther should be said at this Time. Whereas the Town, at their Meeting on the 4*. of July last, agreed with M'. Hudson to submit tlie Disputes respecting Beacon Hill, & Arbitrators were mutually chosen to issue the Matter in Dispute, by tlie 5"". of September last, & the said Term being elapsed ; 'tis now mutually agreed between the Town & M''. Hudson, Boston Town Records, 1773. 197 that the same Matters may be taken up by the said Arbitrators, & awarded as soon as may be The Committee relative to Dock Square informed the Town, that they were not j'et able to Report at this Meeting Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P.M. 3 O'clock P.M. met according to Adjournment The Coinittee relative to filling up the Dock having Eeported in the forenoon, that they were not ready to make Report, had Leave to sit again, & said Coinittee are directed to take such Affidavits as they may think necessary. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Wednesday next, 9 O'clock forenoon — and the Meeting was accordingly adjourned. Boston ss. See page 501 At a Meeting of His Majestys Justices of the Peace dwelling in the Town of Boston & the Selectmen of said Town June 17"^. 1773. Whereas a considerable number of the Freeholders & Other In- habitants of the Town of Boston did by their Petition to the Jus- tices & Selectmen in said Town set forth that the greatest part of the Lands i'rom Ann Street to Middle Street whereby the Fire which happened in Boston [553.] on the 3 Day of February 1767 be- came desolate & vacant ; thay Paddys Alley so called which runs through those Lands tho', very narrow was from its situation ex- tremely beneficial & useful to the said Inhabitants & that scarce any Street in Town was more improved than said Alley and that it was absolutely necessary to have a way there : The Petitioners therefore prayed that a commodious Street there should be laid and not only for the convenience of the Town but also that such of the Inhabitants as were burnt out might be encouraged to Rebuild, and upon consideration of the Premisses said Justices and Selectmen on the sixteenth Day of April Anno Dom. 1767 laid out a new Street accordingly, but the same as then laid out being found to be prejudicial to numbers of Persons & Inconvenient for the pub- lick, before a Jury was Appointed to Assess damages &c ; upon a Representation thereof made to the General Court at their Session in January last said Court by an Act then passed did set Aside & disannul what was done by the Justices and Selectmen relative to the laying out of said new Street on the sixteenth Day of April 1767 and by said Act & another Act passed by said General Court at their Session in Alay last did give power to the Justices in said Town together with the Selectmen or a major part of each Assent- ing thereto to state & lay out a new Street of twenty feet in wedth from Ann Street to Middle Street beginging at Ann Street & so running up Paddys Alley to the Brit-k Wall on the Easterly end of M'. Gedneys Land in said Alley and no further, — and said Justices & Selectmen are also impowered bj^ the last of said Acts to lay out said Street of a greater wedth than twent}' Feet in or near the middle part thereof if they should Judge, it more convenient — Whereupon We Edmund Quincy, John Hill, Belcher Noyes, Arnold Wells, Joseph Gardner, John Avery, John Tudor, & Samuel Pem- berton, being a major part of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the County aforesaid dwelling in the Town of Boston, And we 198 City Doctoient No. 91. John Scollay, John Hancock, Timothy Newell, & Thomas Mar- shall, being a Major part of the Selectmen of said Town having carefully viewed the said Alley and the Land made desolate & va- cant by said Fire & duly considered of the Premisses have for the convenienc}^ and accomodation of that place and of the Inhabi- tants aforesaid pursuant to the Power given us in & by the Acts aforesaid Stated & laid out and Established a New Street through the vacant and desolate Lands aforesaid including the aforesaid Alley in Manner following viz', beginning at the North Easterly Corner of the Brick Tenement, or [554.] (Ell, so called) belong- ing to the Heirs of M^ Meriam Tyler deceased fronting on said Ann Street and from thence running on said Street to the North East Corner of the Brick House belonging to the Heirs or Assigns of Cap'. William Fletcher deceased measuring on said Ann Street including Paddys Alley aforesaid twenty feet, and from said Ann street il runs towards the Westward One hundred & thirty three feet of the wedth of twenty feet, and from thence it widens until it comes abreast of or opposite to Cap'. Robert Balls Gate where said New Street is twenty three feet Six Inches in wedth, and from thence on said Opposet side it runs narrowing till it comes to said Gedneys Brick Wall where it ends on this side & is thereof the wedth of twenty feet, and then said Street is but fourteen feet wide and from thence continues on a line with said Gedneys Dwell- ing houses & Lands, somewhat bevelling till it comes to Middle Street where it is but twelve feet wide, on the Opposite or South- westerly side, said new Street runs from Ann Street beginning at the North East Corner of said Fletchers Brick House to Middle Street and the Lands bounding thereon belonging to the Heirs or Assigns of said William Fletcher deceased Jonathan Cushing de- ceased, Cap'. Robert Ball the Heirs or Assigns of Robert Henry deceased, Joseph Sherburne Esq''. Thomas Emmons, Asa Stodder, John Briant, and Joseph Jackson, when it comes into Middle Street, And we have laid and set off, the aforesaid Brick Ell, Tenement of said Tyler, and all the Lands of every Person whomsoever in- cluded & fallen within the Lines aforesaid into the same new Street to remaine and continue a part & parcel of said New Street for- ever — In Witness whereof we hereunto set our hands the Seven- teeth Day of June Anno Domini 1773 John Scollay, John Han- cock, Tim". Newell Tho'. Marshall Selectmen of Boston — Edm. Quincy, John Hill, Belcher Noyes, Arnold Welles, John Avery, Joseph Gardner, John Tudor, Sam*. Pemberton, Justices of the Peace — Exam*^. William Cooper, Town Clerk. Suffolk ss. To Nathaniel Ruggles Esq^ James Hears, Aaron Davis jun'. Caleb Howard, Samuel Sumner, Nathaniel Felton, John Greaton jun^ all of Roxbury, Eleazer Clap & SamuelTopliff of Dorchester, Elisha Gardner, Thomas Aspinwal & Eleazer Baker all of Brook- line, and all in the County of Suffolk — Greeting Whereas in and by an Act made and passed by the Great and [555.] General Court or Assembly of the Province of the Massa- chusetts Bay held at Boston by Adjournment on the third Day of January last. It was Enacted that it shall be in the Power of the Boston Town Records, 1773. 199 Justices of the Peace in the Town of Boston together with the Selectmen (or the Major Part of Each Assenting thereto) to state and lay out a Street Way or passage through the Lands in said Act mentioned twenty feet wide from Middle Street so called to Ana Street so called, in said Town as should be most for the Convenien- cyand Accomodation of the place by extending enlarging, streight- ening, or otherwise Altering the Street or Lane called Paddys Alley in said Act Mentioned : And that where Any Particular Person or Persons shall have their Lands or Tenements or Any part thereof taken away or leesen'd thereby, A Jury of twelve Men shall be Appointed by two Justices of the Peace and sworn to a certain the Value thereof to be paid by the Person to whose Land the same shall be Added or by the Neighbourhood or Town in proportion to the benefits or Conveniency any shall have thereby, according to their best Skill And understanding ; Provided Nevertheless that the two Justices and Jury Aforesaid shall not be Inhabitants of the Town of Boston. And whereas in and by one other Act or the Great & General Court aforesaid made and Passed in their Sessions in May last ; in Addition to and explanatory of the afore in Part Recited Act, It was Enacted that said Justices & Select- men of the Town of Boston, or a Major Part of Each be and they were thereby impowered and directed, as soon as may be to lay out said Street twenty feet in wedth, begining at Ann Street, and so running up Paddys Allej' to the Brick wall on the Eastermost End of the Land of George Broughton Godney in said Alley and no further ; And it was further Enacted, that if said Justices and Selectmen, or a Major Part of each, should Judge it more Conven- ient to have said Street of a greater wedth than twenty feet in or near the middle Part of it, where the Lands are vacant, they were directed and impowered to lay out the same Accordingly, the Act aforesaid notwithstanding, And that in all other Things the Jus- tices Selectmen, Jury and all Persons interested or concerned were to Proceed according to the directions of the aforementioned Act. All which in and by the afore in part recited Acts (refer- ence thereto being had) will more fully Appear. And where as a Major Part of the Justices, and a Major part of the Selectmen, in the Town of Boston aforesaid in pursuance of the afore last men- tioned Act, have Staked and laid out a Street including said Alley in manner following Viz*, beginning at the North East Corner of the Brick Tenement (or Ell so called) belonging to the heirs or Assigns of M^ Meriam Tyler deced. Fronting on said Ann Street and from thence running, and [556,] said Street to the North- east Corner of the Brick house belonging to the Heirs & Assigns of Cap'. William Fletcher deced, measuring on said Ann Street in- cluding Paddys Alley aforesaid, twenty feet and from said Ann Street it runs towards the Westward One hundred & thirty three feet of the the wedth of twenty feet, and from thence it widens untill it comes abreast of or Opposite to Cap'. Robert Balls gate where said New Street is twenty three feet six inches in wedth, and from thence on said Opposite side it runs narrowing till it comes to said Gedneys brick wall where it ends on this side and is there of the wedth of twenty feet, and then said Street is but 200 City Document No. 91. fourteen feet wide, and from thence continues on a Line with s'd Gedneys Dwelling houses and Lands somewhat bevelling till it comes to Middle Street where it is but twelve feet wide ; on the opposite or Southwesterly side, said New Street runs from Anu Street begining at the Northeast Corner of said Fletchers Brick Dwelling house to Middle Street, and the Lands bounding thereon belonging to the Heirs or Assigns of said WiUiam Fletcher deced Jonathan Gushing deced, Cap'. Robert Ball, the heirs or Assigns of Robert Henry deceased, and William Jepson deced, Thomas Emmons, Asa Stoddard, John Briant, & Joseph Jackson when it enters into Middle Street, said Justices and Selectmen also laid and Sett off the aforesaid Brick Ell or Tenement of said Tylers, and all the Lands of every Person whomsoever included within the Lines aforesaid into said New Street; to remain and continue A Part and Parcel of the same forever as by the Return made by the Justices dwelUng iu said Town of Bostan, and the Selectmen of said Town preference thereto being had will fully Appear. Pursuant therefore to the Directions of the Acts aforesaid, and by virtue of the Power therein given to us, We the Subscribers, viz'. Nathaniel Hatch of Dorchester and Joseph Williams of Rox- bury two of his Majestys Justices of tlie Peace within and for the County of Suffolk, do hereby Appoint you the said Na- thaniel Ruggles Foreman James Mears Aaron Davis Jun"", Caleb Havard Samuel Sumner, Nathaniel Felton, John Greaton Jun^ Ebenezer Clap, Samuel Toplift, Elisha Gardner, Thomas Aspin- wal & Eleazer Baker A Jury and being first sworn you are to go upon and view the Brick Tenement Lands and Premisses that are taken in, and unto the said new Street as stated and laid out by said Justices and Selectmen as aforesaid and to whom they belonged, and you are then to Value and acertain the Loss and Damages that any Person or Persons their Heirs or Assigns do suffer or Sustain by having their Lands or Tenement taken [557.] away & added to said New Street, and you are to determin by whom such Loss and Damages and also the Costs and Charges Attending the Business Aforesaid) shall be paid, and if you §hould find that any Person in the Neighbourhood have taken in and Added to their Lands any Part of said Paddys Alley, or you shall Judge the Town of Boston, or the Estate of any Persons in the Neighbourhood of said new Street or near the same will be benefited thereby. You are to Assess said Town, and Persons at their Estates, such a Proportion of said Loss Damages and Charges, as to you shall seem just according to your best skill and Understanding and as soon as you have compleated the same you are to make return hereof with your doings thereon unto Us or one of Us, or to the Selectmen of the Town of Boston aforesaid, that so the same may be Entered with the Records of said Town, and said New Street known for a Publick Street or Highway for- ever. Given under our hands & Seals at Dorchester the Nine- teenth day of July, in the thirteenth year of His Majestys Reign Annoqe Dom ; 1773 Nath'. Hatch Jo\ Williams — Note the Par- ties interested or concern'd are to be present if they see cause Suffolk s". Roxbury July 26"". 1773. The aforenamed Nathan- Boston Town Records, 1773. 201 iel Riiggles, James Mears, Aaran Davis JLm^ Caleb Howard, Samuel Sumner, Nathaniel Felton, John Greaton J"". Ebenezer Clap, Samuel Toplift, Elisha Gardner, Thomas Aspinwal & Eleazer Baker, Personally Appeared & made Solemn Oath that they would do and Perform all the several Matters & things they are required & directed to do, in & by the afore written Warrant According to their best Skill and Understanding Before Jo\ Wil- liams Justice Peace Exam*^. William Cooper Town Clerk We the Subscribers a Jury appointed in & by the aforewritten Warrant hereunto annexed ; for the Purposes therein mentioned being sworn by Joseph Williams Esq"". One of his Majestys Jus- tices of the peace went several times upon the Brick Tenement Lands & premisses taken away & added to this New Street by Paddeys Alley so Called in Boston stated & Laid out by the Jus- tices of the Peace & Selectmen of said Town as particularly men- tioned in said Warrant & having Notifyed the Proprietors of said Lands ; & beared them as also the Selectmen [558.] of Boston we carefully viewed the same, and find that the Lands & premisses taken from several Persons and Added to said New Street are as follows &'^. V^. A large Tenement fronting Easterly upon Ann Street measuring thereon fourteen feet two Indies with a Cellar under the same, and from said Ann Street it runs one hundred & fifty feet Nine Inches to the Westward, of the wedth of fourteen feet two Inches through the Lauds now or late belonging to the Heirs or Assigns of M^ Merriam Tyler deced & from thence said New Street runs thro' the Lands of William Scott Sixty Six feet in length, and fourteen feet Six Inches in depth, & from said Scott it runs thro the Lands of Jacob Emmons fifteen feet in length and twenty three feet Six Inches in depth, and from said Emmons land it runs tliro' the Land of William Simpkins two feet in length in- cluding one half of a private Way or Passage way that lay in Common between him & Joseph Sherburn Esq. being, as tis said their property & twenty one feet four inches in depth, and from thence it runs thro' said Sherburns land including his half of said Alley Twenty two feet in length & Twenty one feet four Inches in depth, and from thence thro' the Lands belonging to the Estate of James Dodge deced fourteen feet six inches in Length includ- ing half of a Private Alley or passage way that (as tis said) belongs to said Dodges Estate and the heirs of Rachel Hobby deced, and Six feet in depth and from thence it runs thro' the Lands of said Rachel Hobby or her heirs twelve feet Six inches in length (including half of said Alley) and Six feet in depth, and then said New Street meets with the Brick wall of a house belonging to George Broughton Gedney where it ends of the Wedth of twenty feet, and then said Street is but fourteen feet in Wedth, & so continues on a Line on this Northeasterly side with said Gedneys Dwelling Houses & Lauds somewhat bevelling till it comes and enters into Middle Street where it is but Twelve feet wide ; on the Opposet or Southwesterly^ side said New Street runs 202 City Document No. 91. from Ann Street to Middle Street & the [559.] Lands bounded thereon belong to the heirs of M". Margaret Fletcher deced Margaret Newman Cap'. Robert Ball the Heirs of Robert Henry deced Joseph Sherburn Esq"^. Thomas Emmons, Asa Stoddard John Briaiit & Joseph Jackson when it comes to Middle Street, or be the Measure of an}'^ of the Lauds aforesaid be they more, or be they Less, We having maturely Considered of all the Matters and things we wei'e directed to in and by the Warraut aforesaid, do Report our Determination thereupon as follows Viz'. That the Heirs Assigns or Proprietors of the Tenement or Ell & Lands belonging to the Estate of M" : Meriam Tvler decid, be allowed & paid Two hundred & Thirty pounds for there Loss & Damages sustained by taking said Ell & Lands from them as laid out & Added to the New Street Aforesaid That William Scott be allowed Twenty Five pounds for his Loss & Damages in taking from him Lands that is laid out in the New Street Aforesaid — That Jacob Emmons be Allowed Five pounds for his Loss and Dam- ages in taking from him Lands that is laid out in the New Street Afforesaid That William Simpkins be Allowed Five pounds for his Loss and Damtiges in taking from him Lands that is laid out in the New Street afforesaid — That Joseph Sherburne Esq"", be Allowed Seven pounds for his Loss and Damages in taking from him Lands that is Laid out in the New Street Aforesaid That the Heirs of James Dodge be Allowed Three pounds for their Loss & Damages in taking from them Lands that is laid out in the New Street Aforesaid [559.] That the Heirs of Rachel Hobby be Allowed Two pounds for their Loss & Damages in taking from them Lands that is Laid out in the New Street Aforesaid That Sixteen pounds Ten Shillings be allowed the Justices & Jury for their Time Trouble & Expences on the Business Assign'd them — And we further Report that George Broughton Gedney be & hereby is Assessed the Sum of Three pounds Merriams Heirs One pound, Joseph Jackson Three pounds, John Bryant Two pounds, Asa Stoddard Four pounds, Thomas Emmons Five pounds, The Heirs of Robert Henry deced Three pounds Robert Ball Eighty pounds for Priveledge & Land taken in Belonging to Paddays Alley, M" Newman Twenty Five pounds. The Heirs of the Widdow Fletcher deced Twent}' pounds for their Priveledge being better for the New Street And we further say that the Sum of One hundred Seventy Sev- en pounds Ten Shillings Be paid by the Town of Boston Making in the whole the Sum of Three hundred & Twenty three pounds Ten Shillings & that be in full (when paid) of Loss Damages Cost & Charges &c. Attending the Business Aforesaid. And We further Report & Determine that the Aforesaid Brick Tenement (or Ell) belonging to the heirs or Assigns of said Meriam Tyler shall be pulled down, and the Celler filled up and the Fences in- cluded in said New Street be removed, at the Cost & Charga of the Proprietors of said premisses, within Sixty days & that the several Sum & Sums of Money Assessed on the Persons afore- named be paid & the Work dun in Forty days from the Date here- Boston Town Records, 1773. 203 of & we hereby Assess them & Their Estates for payment of the same Accordingly — And further we do Allow & Assign unto the Proprietors of said Miriam Tylers Estate All the Brick Windows [560.] And Materials of or belonging to said Brick Tenement or Ell, for their Use & Benefit Witness our hands this Third Day of August One Thousand Seven hundred & Seventy three— ^ — Nath' Ruggles, James Mears, Aaron Davis Jun"" Caleb Hayward Sam'. Sumner Nath'. Felton, John Greaton Jun' Ebenezer Clap Sam Toplift, Elisha Gardener, Tho'. Aspinwall Jun''. Eleazer Parker. The aforegoing Assessment Exam. William Cooper Town Clerk. [End of Book 5 of Town Records. — W. H. W.] BOSTON TOWN RECORDS. [SIXTH BOOK.] At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston p Ad- journment of the Port Bill Meeting from November the 7"*. at Faneuil Hall, December 7'\ 1774, 10 O'Clock. The former Moderator being absent it was Voted that a Pro Temp. Moderator be now chosen by a Hand Vote Jonathan Williams Esq. was chosen Moderator Pro Tempore. Upon a Motion made, Voted, that a Committee be now chosen toprepare & bring in a List of proper Persons, to serve as a Coinittee, for cai-rying the Resolutions of the late Continental Congress into Execution. Voted, that Jonathan Williams Esq. James Otis Esq. M''. Paul Reverie M^ John Pitts M'. Thomas Crafts Jun'. Cap'. Abiel Ruddock M^ Thomas Chase be a Committee for the above Purpose Adjourned to half past 3 O'Clock P.M. 1/2 past 3 O'Clock met according to Adjournment A Motion made, & the question put, Whether it is the sense of the Town, that the Comittee of Correspondence now subsists, &, that they continue their good services, till the farther Order of the Town — and that either Seven of the Committee of Correspond- ence be & hereb}- are impowered to conduct the Business of said Comittee — Which passed in the Affirmative unanimously. [3.] The Committee to pyepare a List for a Committee of In- spection, & to carry the Resolutions of the Continental Congress into Execution Reported the following Names, & that Seven of said Gentlemen shall be a Quorum — Which Report was accepted by the Town — The Comittee are as follows, Viz'. The Hon'''®. Thomas Cushing Esq. Hon'''^ John Hancock Esq. M"^. Samuel Adams William Phillips Esq. Col: Thomas Marshall M^ John Pitts M'. Oliver Wendell 206 City Document No. 91. M"". Samuel Austin Benj*. Austin Esq. Deacon Caleb Davis M^ Will". Whitwel Samuel Barret Esq. M''. Jonathan Mason Capt. John Bradford M''. John Brown M'. William Powell Major Richard Boynton Ezekiel Cheever Esq. Capt. Edward Proctor M''. James Ivers M"". Ebenezer Hancock M'. William Green leaf M^ Samuel Whitwell M''. Hermon Brimmer M"". Martin Brimmer M^ Peter Boyer D"". Benjamin Church D''. Joseph Warren Joseph Greenleaf Esq. [3.] Capt. Benjamin Waldo Capt. John Pulling M'. Paul Reviere M^ John Winthrop M'. Samuel Pitts Capt. Abiel Ruddock D"". Charles Jarvis M'. Thomas Chase Major Nathaniel Barbour Capt. Fortesque Vernon Capt. Job Prince Capt. Caleb Hopkins M'. Moses Gill M'. Thomas Boylston Capt. John Marston Major Newman Greenough M^ Moses Grant M^ Foster Condy Henry Bromfield Esq. M^ Cyrus Baldwin M'. Bessinger Foster M'. Isaac Pierce M^ Enock Brown M'. Joseph Ayres M'. Henry Bass Capt. Samuel Partridge M^ Joshua Bracket Jonathan Williams Esq. M'. Edward Davis Capt. Ebenezer Johnson Boston Toavn Records, 1774. 207 M^ Elias Park man M^ Jobu Avery D'. Nathaniel Noyes On a Motion made, Voted, tliat a Committee be appointed to draught a Vote of Thanks of the Town of Boston expressive [4.] of their Gratitude for the benevolent Assistance which they have received from the other Colonies, during their present Calamities & particularly for generous Recomendation of the respectable Con- tinental Congress for farther Support from their Sister Colonies, during their unhappy Struggles, under the arbitrary & Oppressive Measures of the present British Administration Voted, that Jonathan Williams Esq. Moderator The Hou'^''^. James Otis Esq. D'. Benjamin Church D"". Joseph Warren M'. John Pitts Joseph Greenleaf Esq. M''. William Cooper be a Coinittee to prepaie said Report, & report the same at the Adjournment. Voted, tliat tliis Meeting be adjourned to Wednesday next, be- ing 14*. Instant, 10 O'ClOck A.M. At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston by Ad- journment of the May Meeting from December 7"". 1774 — at Fan- euil Hall December 7*., 1/2 past 9 O'Clock A.M. M'. Samuel Adams in the Chair Warrant for calling this Meeting again, read. Upon a Motion made for a farther Adjournment of this Meeting, as several Coiiiittees were not ready to make Report Voted, that all Matters & things which remain unfinished, be referred over to the Adjournment of this Meeting On a Motion made. Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday 26"". Instant, 10 O'Clock forenoon And the Meeting was adjourned accordingly At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, at Faneuil Hall December 14, 1774, 10 O'Clock A.M. p^ Adjournment of the Port Bill Meeting [5.] M"". Samuel Adams in the Chair It having been suggested in this Meeting, that a Paper signed T. Gage, being an Answer to a Letter, written to General Gage by the Hon'''®. Payson Randolph Esq. President of the late Con- tinental Congress, contains diverse Gross Mistakes, to the Preju- dice of this Town, Therefore Voted, that M^ Samuel Adams D'. Benjamin Church D'. Joseph Warren be a Comittee to consider the same, & to report at the Adjourn- ment. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Monday the 26"". of De- cember Instant 11 O'Clock forenoon And the Meeting was adjourned accordingly 208 City Document No. 91. At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, at Faneuil Hall, l3ecember 26"". 1774 p Adjournment of the Mav Meeting — 10 O'Clock A.M. Mr. Samuel Adams in the Chair The several Coinittees appointed by the Town, not being ready to make Report at the Adjournment ; it was moved & Voted, that this Meeting be farther adjourned to Fryday next 10 O'Clock Fore- noon And the Meeting was accordingly adjourned At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, at Fan- euil Hall December 26. 1774 p Adjournment of the Port Bill Meeting. M'^. Samuel Adams in the Chair. A Motion made, that this Meeting, when adjourned, shall be to Fryday next, the 30"\ Instant, 11 O'Clock Forenoon Voted, that all Matters unfinished at this Meeting be referred over lo the Adjournment. [6.] Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned till Fryday next at 11 O'clock in the Forenoon, then to meet in this Place, to receive & act upon the Reports of Several Comittees ; & the Selectmen are hereby requested to issue Notifications and serve the Freeholders & Inhabitants with the same by the Constables of the Town ; No- tifying them, that on the said Fryday next, the Town will, if they see Cause, make Choice of One, or more Delegates, to represent them In the Provincial Congress, to be held at Cambridge on or before the first Daj' of February next. And the Meeting was accordingly adjourned to Fryday next the 26 instant, 1 1 O'Clock Forenoon At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston at Faneuil Hall p Adjournment of the May Meeting December 30"^. 1774 M^ Samuel Adams in the Chair The Comittee appointed by the Town to consider of the Expedi- ency of filling up the Town Dock ; & also make inquiry into the Titles of the Abutters thereon, being called upon for their Report, several of that Coinittee present, acquainted the Town that they were not yet able to make Report Moved & Voted, that the above Coiiiittee be desired to make Re- port at the Adjournment of this Meeting. On a motion made Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to the 1''. Wednesday in February next, being the first of that Month, 10 O'clock forenoon And the Meeting was accordingly adjourned. At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston at Faneuil Hall by Adjournment of the Port Bill Meet- ing, December 30"". 1774 M^ Samuel Adams in the Chair The Comittee appointed to take under Consideration a Paper Boston Town Eecords, 1774. 209 signed T. G-age, being nn Answer to a Letter written to General Gage by the Hon'''®. Peyton Randolph Esq. President of the late Continental Congress — Reported as follows, Viz'. [11,] We would not, unless urged by the clearest Necessity, have taken up the Consideration of General Gage's Letter to the Honorable Peyton Randolph Esq. late President of the Continental Congress, but we Conceive that Letter, tho' it appears to be ad- dressed to a Gentleman in his private Capacity, has a strong Ten- dency to impress the whole Continent with Sentiments very unfavour- able to this afflicted Town. We shall not intentionally throw Siuy disagreeable Impution upon the General, but shall endeavor only to defend ourselves against the injurious Tendency of the Letter. — The General contrary to tlie known Sense of every Man of common Understanding, has been pleased to insinuate, that the Complaints of the Town of Boston against his Conduct were utterly groundless & unreasonable & would have the Continent believe that, not he but the People of the Province, & especially the Inhabitants of Boston, were the Aggressions in all the Differences which have arisen. — We freely acknowledge that the Arrival of a British Army, with a profess'd Design of enforcing Acts of the British Parliament, destructive of our Liberties, gave a ?■ all to meet in One Assembly ; & hence arose the Necessity & Practice of legislating by a few, freely chosen by the many. — When this Choice is free, & the Representation, equal, 'tis the People's Fault if they are not happy : We therefore entreat you to devise some Means to obtain an igual Repres'mtation of the People of this Colony in the Legislature. But care should be taken, that the Assembly be not unweildy ; for this would be an Approach to the Evil meant to be cured by Rep- resentation. The largest Bodies of Men do not always dispatch Business with the greatest Expedition, nor conduct it in the wisest manner It is essential to Liberty that the legislative, judicial & execu- tive Powers of Government be, as nearly as possible, independent of & separate from each other ; for where they are united in the same Persons, there will be wanting that natural Check, which is the principal Security against the enacting of arbitrary Laws, and a wanton Exercise of Power in the Execution of them. — It is also of the highest Importance that every Person in a Judiciary Depart- ment, employ the greatest Part of his Time & Attention in the Duties of his Office. — We therefore farther instruct you, to pro- cure the making such Law or Laws, as shall make it incompatible for the same Person to hold a Seat in the legislative & executive Departments of Government, at one & the same time: — That shall render the .Judges in every Judicatory thro' the Colony, de- pendent, not on the uncertain Tenure of Caprice or Pleasure, but on an unimpeachable Deportment in the important Duties of their Station, for their Continuance in Office : And to prevent the Multiplicity of Offices in the same Person, that such Salaries be set- tled upon them, as [54.] Will place them above the Necessity of stooping to any indirect or collateral Means for Subsistence. We wish to avoid a Profusion of the public Monies on the one hand, & the Davgtr of r.acrificinq our Liberties to a Spirit of Par- simony on the other: — Not doubting of your Zeal & Abilities in the common Cause of our Country, we leave your Discretion to prompt such Exertions, in p.^-omoting any military Operations, as the Exigency of our public Affairs may require : And in the same Confidence in your Fervor & Attachment to the public Weal, we readily submit all other Matters of public Moment, that may re- quire your Consideration to your own Wisdom & Discretion. The foregoing Draught of Instructions to our Representatives, having been read & considered, the Question was put — " Whether the same shall be accepted, & given to our Representatives, as their Instructions " — Passed in the Affirmative unanimously. Upon a Motion made. Voted, that the Gentlemen, the Select- men be directed to wait upon the Comittee of the General Court, for fortifying the Harbor of Boston, & to desire that they would suspend the sinking of the Hulks, untill the Sense of the Town be legally taken relative thereto. On a Motion made — Voted, that this Meeting may be adjourned Boston Town Records, 1776. 239 to Tuesday next, 9 O'Clock, Forenoon — And the Meeting was accordingly adjourned Tuesday Morning, 9 O'Clock, Met according to Adjournment The Town took into Consideration the Expediency of having Hulks sunk in this Harbor, for the present, & after a full & fair Debate, the Question was put — viz'. " Whether it be the Sense of the Town, that the Hulks should be sunk at present " ? which passed in the Negative, Nem. Con. Voted, that Samuel Barret Esq. M''. Benj''. Hitchburne [55.] Henry Bromfield 'Esq. Perez Morton Esq. Benjamin Kent Esq. be, & hereby are appointed a Comittee to present, in Behalf of this Town, a Petition to the Great & General Court now sitting, praying that they would reconsider their former Vote for the Sinking of Hulks in this Harbour, so far as that the sinking of them for the present may be Suspended The Town brought in their Votes for one to serve on the Comittee of Correspondence, Inspection & Safety, in the Room of Joseph Gi-eenleaff Esq, who has lately resigned — And upon sorting the Votes it appeared, that M"". Ellis Gray, was chosen one of the Comittee of Correspond- ence, Inspection & Safety for the Year ensuing. Voted, that this Meeting be dissolved, and it was accordingly dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston at the Old Brick Meeting House, duely qualified & legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled, May 27"*. Anno Domini 1776. Warrant for Calling this Meeting — read. The Hon*^'". Thomas Cushing Esq'', was chosen Moderator of this Meeting. On a Motion made. Voted, that the Words, otJiey^ Inhabitants^ be deled out of the Warrant for calling the Meeting Votes for a County Register brought in & sealed up in Town Meeting by the Selectmen were deliver'd to their Chairman, John Scollay Esq. to be by him returned to the Court of Sessions. Then the Meeting was dissolved. [56.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders of the Town of Boston, duely qualified & legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled, at the old Brick Meeting House, on Monday the 26"'. Day of August, Anno Domini 1776. Warrant for calling this Meeting — read Benjamin Kent Esq. was chose Moderator of the Meeting by a Hand Vote - The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw & bring in their ^40 City Document No. 91. Votes for two Selectmen, there being but two of those who were chose in March last, who declined serving ; & the Votes being brought in & sorted, it appeared, that John Greenleaff Esq. Henry Bromfleld Esq. were unanimously chose Selectmen for the Remainder of the Year A Motion was made to proceed to the Choice of proper Persons for filling up the Coinittee of Correspondence, Inspection & Safety — and after considerable Debate, it was moved & carried, that the farther Consideration of this Matter be referred over to To- morrow 10 O'clock, A.M. On a Motion made Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to 3 O'clock Afternoon, then to meet in the Representatives Cham- ber. 3 O'clock P.M. met according to Adjournment. The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for One Overseer of the Poor, & upon sorting them it appeared, that John Barret Esq. was unanimously chosen an Overseer of the Poor for the Remainder of the Year The Clause in the Warrant, Viz'. " To consider what Methods shall be taken for the speedy clearing of the Town from the Small Pox " was read & considered, whereupon it was moved &; seconded, [57.] That a Coinittee of Thirty Six Persons be immediately appointed, three for each Ward, whose Business it shall be to re- pair to every House in their respective Ward, to ask the following questions & take down the Answers in writing Who live in this House, & what is the Name of the Head of the Family ? How many Persons in this House have had the Small Pox both white & black, the natural Way, & by Inoculation, & how many of each have died ? How many Persons from the Country have had the Small Pox in this House, & how many of them came into Town after the 15"\ day of July last — their Names & by whom innoculated? How many are now Sick, & how many that have not had the Small Pox? How many Persons belonging to this Family are now in the Service ? Is it Continental, or Coloniel? Is it by Sea, or by Land? If by Sea, in what Vessel? Have any of them been hired by other Towns, & what Towns are they ? And the Question being accordingly put Passed in the Affirmative. Voted, that the following Gentlemen be and here by are appointed a Coruittee for the Purpose aforesaid — Vis'. Major Newman Greenough '\ Wards M'. John Lambert Jun^ }■ NM Deacon Jonathan Brown Boston Town Records, 1776. 241 Capt Gyles Harris M^ Elias Parkman M'. Edward Grant M'. Ebenezer Howard M'. Caleb Champney M^ Nathau' Hitchburne [58.] Francis Shaw Esq. Capt Andrew Syms William Thornburne Capt Jonathan Gary M'. George B. Gidney M^ John Waldo Capt Samuel Barrett M''. John Jenkins \- - - - - 6 M"". Samuel Sloan Capt Job Prince ]VP. Edward Carnes M"^. John Winnet Capt Benj". Gray M'. John Colburne M'. Nicolas Bowes M'. Ezekiel Price Thomas Daws Esq. Capt Samuel Dashwood M^ Jeremiah Bell^nap Capt Jeremiah Stunsou ]■ - - - - 10 M". Jon*. Amory Capt Jabez Hatch M". Hermon Brimmer \- - - - - 11 M''. Samuel Hewes Capt Ephraim May "1 M'. Ebenezer Dorr [- - - - - 12 M'. Thomas Baley ) And it was farther Voted, that the foregoing Coinittee be directed to acquaint the Overseers of their respective Wards, of the Time set for the Visitation, & to ask their Company therein, & that the Constables of the Town attend the Coriiittee in said Walk ; & the Coihittee are also directed to take the most effectual Meth- ods to cause the Houses in the several Wards, to be well cleansed from the Infection. [59o] That Clause in the Warrant, Viz'. " To consider of the Expediency of Erecting a Pound for the Security of Strays, was read & considered, — and the Question being put — "Whether it be expedient, that a Pound be erected at this Time — Passed in the Negative — The Article in the Warrant, Viz*. "Whether any Application shall be made to Authority, to have the Militia of the Town Set- tled ; & to determine upon some Method to have the Inhabitants provided, with Arms, according to Law " was read, & after some Debate, the Question was put — and it passed in the Affirma- tive. On a Motion made, Voted, that the farther Consideration of the Wards N". 2 242 City Document No. 91. Article in the Warrunt relative to settling the Militia, be referred to Tuesday afternoon 3 O'Clock Adjourned to Tuesday next, 10 O'Clock in the Forenoon Tuesday the 27'^. Day of August, 10 O'Clock A.M. met accord- ing to Adjournment. That Clause in the Warrant, viz. " To determine upon some Method to have the Inhabitants provided with Arms &c according to Law," — was read, & considered — Whereupon Voted, that M^ Ezekiel Price Joseph Greenleaff Esq. M''. Jonathan Mason M'. Joseph Banett M^ Ellis Gray Captain Samuel Partridge Major Thomas Daws be, & hereby are appointed a Coriiittee, to take this Matter into Consideration, & report their Opinion as soon as may be. The Town took into Consideration the Expediency of filling up the Vacancies in the Coiiiittee of Correspondence & Inspection, & after long Debates, it was moved & seconded & the Question accordingly put — ' ' Whether, according to a Resolve of the Great & General Court of this State, passed the 13"^. of February 1776, relative to Commitees of Correspondence, such Persons as have been elected from said Comittee [60o] Representatives, do not by such Election, cease to be Members of said Coinittee " — • Passed in the Affirmative And upon a Motion made — the Question was put — " Whether it be not the Sense of the Town, that all other Town Officers, are, by the said Resolve, excluded from Serving Members of the Com- ittee of Correspondence, Inspection &g " — Passed in the Affirma- tive Adjourned to 3 O'Clock in the Afternoon 3 O'clock P.M. met according to Adjournment The Town took into Consideration the Expediency of filling up the Coinittee of Correspondence Inspection & Safety — and after long Debates — it was moved & seconded, &_the Question accordingly put — Whether holding any military Coihission in the Continental or Colonial Army is not incompatable with holding any Civil Trust ? — Passed in the Affirmative Adjourned to Wednesday 10 O'Clock in the Forenoon Wednesday the 28"^. of August Instant, 10 O'Clock A.M. met according to Adjournment Mess". William Sherburne William Mollineux - - - - sworn Nathaniel Jarvis D*". Martin Becker D°. Thomas Cartwright were chose Clerks of the Market for the Remainder of the Year, in the Room of those who are absent, or have resigned The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Six Wardens in the Room of those who are out of Town, or have resigned, and upon sorting them it appeared, that Boston Town Records, 1776. 243 Capt. Ephraim May - - - - excused M''. Nathaniel Bahlc M'. Joseph Banett excused M''. Daniel Bell ------ sworn M^ William Clough D°. ]Vr. Thomas Fleet D°. M^ Edward Edes excused [61, ] Were chosen Wardens for the Remainder of the Year. Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P.M. 3 O'clock P.M. met according to Adjournment. • That Article in the Warrant, Viz. "To consider of some effect- ual Measures to promote Order, & a Reformation of Manners, was read — & after considerable Debate, with respect to the G-en- eral Nature of the Article, & what was intended — a Motion was made & seconded, That a Comittee be appointed to take this Ar- ticle of the Warrant into Consideration, & report at the intended Adjournment. — This Motion having occasioned considerable De- bate, it was the Sense of the Town, that the Question upon said Motion should not then be put Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to To-morrow Morning, 10 O'clock, A. M. Thursday 10 O'Clock A. M. met according to Adjournment An Order of Timothy Pickering Esq, Judge of the Court erected by this State, for the Trial & Condemnation of Vessells &c. To choose Twelve Jurymen, for a Court to be held at Boston, the 5"*. Day of September next, 10 O'Clock, A. M. was read, where- upon Mess". Isaac Pierce Edward Carnes Benj^ Cobb Thomas Ivers Thomas Hitchburne Joseph Loring Samuel Dashwood John Andrews Edward Tuckerman Levi Jennings John Newell John Welch - - (Jeweller) [63 o] Were drawn out of the Box Jurymen for said Court The Article in the Warrant relative to' filling up the Comittee of Correspondence Inspection & Safety, again taken up and de- bated Adjourned to 3 O'Clock in the Afternoon Thursday 3 O'Clock, P. M. met according to Adjournment On a Motion, Voted, that the Town will now come to the Choice of Ten Members for the Cornittee of Correspondence Inspection & Safety, in the Room of those who have resigned, or look'd upon by the Town, as ceasing to be Members of Said Committee, since their being chose Representatives, Viz'. Mess''^ Nathaniel Appleton Oliver Wendell 244 City Document No. 91. William Dennle Richard Boynton William Powell Caleb Davis William Cooper John Brown John Pitts John Sweetser It was farther Voted, that the Choice of Ten Members for the Coihittee of Correspondence &c. be by seperate Votes. ■ The Votes being brought in accordingly, upon sorting them at the different Times they were brought in, it appeared, that j\P. James Bowdoiu M^ Ezekiel Price M^ Joshua Blanchard M''. William Davis Capt. Gustavus Fellons Jonathan Williams Esq. Capt. Eleazer Johnson M"^. Hermoin Brimmer M"". Bessinger Foster M''. Ebenezer Dorr were chose Members of the Committee of Correspondence, Inspec- tion & Safety, for the Remainder of the Year. On a Motion made, Voted, that Joseph Greenleaf Esq. M"". Stephen Bruce Col: Henry Jackson be, & hereby are appointed a Committee, to wait on those Persons, who were Delinquents on the late Muster Day, for their Subscrip- tions towards a Bounty, for the Encouragement of those who turned out Volunteers for the Nothern or Canada Department on said Day Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Monday the 9*. Day of September next, 10 O'Clock A. M. to meet at the Representa- tives Chamber. Mouday the 9"^. day of September 10 o'Clock Forenoon — met according to Adjournment. The Town Clerk acquainted the Inhabitants, that agreeable to their Reeoinendation, signified to the General Assembly, they had appointed Henry Bromfield Esq. - - . - - Col: 'I'homas Daws Esq. ----- L*. Col: Ephraim May ------- Major William Daws Jun^ - - - -2^. Major of the Regiment of Militia in the Town of Boston The Venire for the Choice of three Jurymen for the Court of General Sessions of the Peace, & the Inferior Court of Common Pleas, to be holden at Braintree on the first Tuesday of [64.] October next, was read, & the following Persons drawn out of the Box, Jurors for said Court, Viz'. Capt. John Matchet Boston Town Records, 1776. 245 M'. John Preston M''. Samuel Hewes The Committee appointed to consider of some Method to have the Inhabitants provided with Fu-e Arms &c according to Law — Reported, That £251 ,, 7 ,, 2 Voted by the Hon^"^ House & Council of this State, in Lieu of the Arms belonging to some of the Inhab- itants of this Town, be received & put into the Hands of a Com- ittee, whose Business shall be to purchase, in the best Way & Manner, they can, a Quantity of Muskets for the Use aforesaid, and dispose of them in the following manner. Viz'. — They shall sell to such of the Inhabitants, as are able to purchase them. One of said Muskets for himself, & as many more as he has Persons in his Family, liable to bear Arms, & that the Money so received, shall be again laid out for Fke Arms, till a sufficient Number shall be purchased for the use of the Town, cfc that such of the Inhabitants of the Town, as are not able to purchase Arms, shall be furnished in the manner following. Viz'. The Coinittee shall deposit with the Captains of the several Military Companies in said Town, a Number sufficient to supply such Persons, as are not able to purchase them, to be delivered them in Case of Emergency, & on Muster Days to be returned to said Captains, when they are not in Use. — And the Committee farther reported, that a Part of the Money aforesaid should be laid out in Powder, so that each man may have half a pound at least — which Report having been read & considered — the Ques- tion was put — " Whether the same be accepted — Passed in the Affirmative — Also Voted, that Capt John Marston Col. Henry Jackson Capt John Tyler [65.] M\ Joseph Banet M^ Thomas Hill M^ Joseph Webb M''. Martin Brimmer be, & hereby are appointed a CoiSittee to carry the foregoing Report into Execution. A Motion was made, that a Vote passed at the late Meeting, appointing a Comittee to wait on the Delinquents, on the late Muster Day, for their Subscription towards a Bounty for the Encouragement of Volunteers &c be reconsidered, & the said Coinittee excused from that Service — and the Question being put — Passed in the Affirmative The Committee appointed to visit the several Wards, & take the State of the Town, with respect to the Small Pox — Reported the State of the several Wards — Whereupon Voted, that said Comittee be desired to revisit their respective Wards, &, cause that such Houses as are unoccupied, and sus- pected of being infected, be well smoak'd, & cleansed, & that the Bills of Charge arising thereon be handed in to the Selectmen for payment & said Coinittee are desired to make strict Enquky, how the Orders given the Inhabitants for cleansing the Houses that 246 City Document No. 91. had been infected, had been complied with — That they also enquire, how the Inhabitants are fui'nished with small Arms ; & in a very particular manner, as to the Number of Persons that are in the public Service by Sea & Land — & how many are now sick with the Small Pox ? — Also, Voted, that the Gentlemen the Selectmen, be desired to use their best Endeavors, that the Resolve of the General Court, & the several Laws now in force relative to the Small Pox, be carried into immediate & strict Execution ; & that they take the same Measures to rid the Town of Infection, as have been practised to prevent the Small Pox from spreading in the Town. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Monday next, being the 16"". of September Instant 10 o'Clock Forenoon. [66.] Monday the 16"*. of September 10 o'Clock A.M. met according to Adjournment The Committee appointed the 26"^. of August last to visit the Houses of the several Wards in this Town, & to take the State of their respective Wards, relative to the Small Pox — the Number of Inhabitants in the Public Service — the Number of Muskets now in Town, in the Hands of the Militia &c — Report as follows, Viz'. That in 1566 Families 295 white Persons & 9 Blacks had re- ceived the Small Pox in the natural Way ; of which 29 had died ; the Proportion about One in Ten ; — that 2873 of the Inhabitants had been innoculated, of which 74 were Blacks — also 1329 Per- sons from the country & 786 Soldiers — maldng in the whole 4988, who had been innoculated, 28 of which Number had died ; the Proportion of One in one hundred & ninety two — that 20 Persons were now under the Distemper, & 157 yet exposed to it That 535 of the Inhabitants were now in the Continental Service, 206 in the Colony, & 166 in the Sea Service making in the whole 907 Persons in the Service of their Country — and that 197 Mus- kets are now in the Hands of the Inhabitants of this Town, exclu- sive of those belonging to the Independent Company so called. The Town brought in then- Votes for four Wardens in the Room of M^ Colson, M^ May, M^ Barrel, & M^ Edes, & upon sorting them it appeared, that Mess'"^ Ephraim Copeland John Welch ----- Jeweller Samuel Payne Thomas Baley were chose Wardens for the Remainder of the Year. The Inhabitants brought in then- Votes for five Constables — & upon sorting them it appeared, that [67.] Mess'^ John Rogers Augustus Hail ----- s Benjamin Clark ----- s Thomas Stevenson - - - - s John Bartlett ----- s were chosen Constables for the Remainder of the Year A Motion was made that this Meeting be dissolved And it was accordingly dissolved. Boston Town Records, 1776. 247 At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston at the old Brick Meeting House, in Boston, October the U"'. 1776,9 o'clock A.M. in Consequence of a Resolve of the Hon**'*. House of Representatives of this State, passed the 17'^. of September last. Warrant for Calling tlie Meeting — read. Voted, to come to the Choice of a Moderator by a Hand Vote. Renjamin Kent Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting The Resolve of the Hon**'^. House of Representatives of this State, passed the 17'^^. of September last Viz', — " That it be recom- mended to the Male Inhabitants of each Town in this State, being free & Twenty One Years of Age, or upwards, that assemble as soon as they can in Town Meeting, upon seasonable previous Warning, to be therefor given, according to Law, & that, in such Meeting, they consider & determine whether they will give their Consent, that the present House of Representatives of this State of Massachusetts Bay in New England, together with the Council if they consent, in One Body with the House, & by equal Vote, should consult, agree on, & enact such a Constitution [68a] And Form of Government for this State, as the said House of Repre- sentatives & Council aforesaid, on the fullest & most mature De- liberation shall judge will be most conducive to the Safety, Peace, & Happiness of this State, in all after & successive Generations ; & if they would direct that the same be made public for the In- spection & Perusal of the Inhabitants, before the Ratification thereof by the Assembly. And that each Town, as soon as may be, after they have passed on the Question aforesaid, cause their Votes, or Resolutions thereon, to be certified into the Office of the Secretary of this State." — was read & considered — whereupon a Motion was made — that the previous Question might be put — Viz'. " Whether the Town will now act upon this Resolve "? and the same being put — Passed in the Affirmative The said Resolve being again read, after considerable Debate — ■ the Question was put in these AVords of the Resolve, which passed in the Negative Unanimously On a Motion made, Voted, that a Comittee be appointed to draw up the Reasons the Town had for Voting as they have done, to be certified into the Office of the Secretary of this State. Voted, that Thomas Boylston Esq. Joseph Greenleaff Esq M''. Ellis Gray be a Committee for the Purpose aforesaid, & to report as soon as may b€ Adjourned to 3 o'Clock in the Afternoon 3 o'clock P.M. met according to Adjournment. The Committee appointed to draw up and state the Reasons, which operated to the Town's Voting in the Negative — when the Question was put, relative to impowering the House & Council in One Body to form a Constitution of Government to be laid before the People for their Perusal & Inspection — Reported as follows, Viz'. 248 City Document No. 91. 1'. "We apprehend the People have some higher Privileges, than [69.] A bare Inspection & Perusal of the Constitution un- der which they are to live. 2^. The present General Court were not chosen for the Purpose of forming a Government, which, of Right, originates with the People. The above Report having been read — after long Debate, it was Voted, that the farther Consideration thereof be referred to the Adjournment. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Wednesday the 16'^. instant, 10 o'Clock A. M. Wednesday th€ 16"" of October 1776, A.M. met according to Adjournment. The Report of the C ommittee for stating the Reasons the Town had for not impowering the Hon'''''. House of Representatives to form a Constitution of Government — again read and considered — & a Motion made, Voted, that the Report be recommitted. The Coihittee for stating Reasons etc. — Reported as follows, Viz'. 1'. To form Government & establish a Constitution for the present & succeeding Generation, is a Task or Consideration the most important, it extends as much to our Beligioui as Cioil Lib- erties, & includes our All — It effects every Individual ; every In- dividual therefore ought to be consulting, acting & assisting. 2^. A Subject of such General, & indeed Infinite Concernment ought to be proceeded in with the greatest Caution &, maturest Deliberation. — The Means or Channels of Information should all lay open to the People, ¬ restricted or confined to any particu- lar Assembly however respectable. 3*^. Precipitancy is to be guarded against time & Opportunity shou'd be taken by the people whose right it is to form Govern- ment, to collect the wisest Sentiments on this Subject ; not of the present House only, but also of the Council, & every other Society, or Member of the State, that would favor the Public with their Sentiments, [70.] In Order that they may possess themselves of such Principles, & wise Maxims sounded on the best Precedents, & thereby be enabled to form a judicious & happy Constitution of Government. The foregoing Report having been read & considered the Ques- tion was put — ' ' Whether the same shall be accepted " ? Passed in the Affirmative Unanimously. Voted, that the Town Clerk be directed to cause the foregoing Votes, or Resolutions, relative to the Resolve of the House of Representatives to be certified into the Office of the Secretary of this State. Adjourned to 3 o'Clock in the Afternoon 3 o'clock afternoon, met according to Adjournment A Motion made relative forming a new Government, was the Subject Matter of a long Debate, but the Motion was finally withdrawn Voted, that this Meeting be dissolved, and it was accordingly dissolved. Boston Town Records, 1776. 249 At a Meeting of the Freeholders of the Town of Boston, duely qualified & legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled at the Old Brick Meeting House 11"\ of October 1776,— 10 o'Clock A.M. Warrant for calling the Meeting — read Voted to come to the Choice of a Moderator by a Hand Vote Benjamin Kent Esq. :was chosen Moderator of this Meeting. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to 4 o'Clock P.M. 4 O'clock P.M. met according to Adjournment On a Motion made, Voted, that this Meeting be farther ad- journed to Wednesday, 16"". day of October instant, 10 o'Clock before Noon [71.] And the Meeting was accordingly adjourned. Wednesday the 16"^. of October 11 O'Clock — forenoon, met according to Adjournment. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to 4 O'Clock after Noon. 4 O'clock P.M. met according to Adjournment The Committee appointed at a late Meeting to prepare a By-Law, relative to forestalling of Wood and other Necessaries of Life — Report a By-Law for preventing of those Evils, & the same hav- ing been read & considered, the Question was put. Viz*. Whether it shall be accepted as a By-Law of this Town — Passed in the Negative That Article in the Warrant Viz'. " To consider the Petition of a Number of the Inhabitants relative to several Grievances arising from the Forestalling of Wood, Provisions and other Necessaries of Life " — was read, & after considerable Debate, Voted, that Col. Thomas Daws M^ Ezekiel Price Col. Nathaniel Barber M^ Ellis Gray Capt. Williams Deacon Jonathan Mason M^ Samuel Whitwell M"". John Reed be a Coiiaittee to take this Matter into Consideration, & report as soon as may be, what they apprehend will be for the Interest of the Town to be done therfeon Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Wednesday, next the 23*^. of October instant, 10 o'Clock, to receive the Report of the forenamed Committee, & to act upon other Articles of the Warrant • Wednesday October 23*^. 1776, met according to Adjourn- ment ["TS,] Benjamin Kent Esq. Moderator of this Meeting being on a Journey, M^ Ezekiel Price was chosen Moderator of this Meeting Pro. Tern. The Coinittee appointed to consider the Petition relative to ser • 250 City Document No. 91. eral Grievances arising from the forestalling of "Wood & other Necessaries of Life, informed the Town, that they were not ready to make Report On a Motion made. Voted, that all Matters & things mentioned in the Warrant for calling this Meeting, & which remain unfin- ished, be referred over to the next Town Meeting, then to be taken up & acted upon. Voted, that this Meeting be dissolved, and it was accordingly dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders of the Town of Boston, duely qualified & legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled, at the Old Brick Meeting House, aO*\ Day of October, 10 o'Clock A.M. Anno Domini 1776 Warrant for Calling the Meeting — read The Town brought in their V^otes for a Moderator of this Meet- ing, & upon sorting them it appeared, that M'". Jonathan Mason was chosen Moderator of the Meeting. The Article in the WaiTant Viz'. " To consider and determine what Measures shall be taken, respecting the Poor of the Town of Boston, who, by a late Resolve of the General Court, are to be removed from Salem & elsewhere, to this Town " ? — was read — whereupon considerable Debate arose, & a Motion was made, " That the Town Treasurer be impowered to borrow a Sum of Money for the Use of the Overseers" [73.] " It was objected to, as not being inserted in the Warrant " — and a Doubt arising. Whether the Town was legally warned — It was moved & Voted that this Meeting be dissolved, & the Meeting was accordingly dis- solved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders of the Town of Boston, duely qualified & legally warned in public Town Meeting assembled, at the Old Brick Meeting House, November the 8"^. 1776. Warrant for Calling the Meeting — read. The Inhabitants were du-ected to withdraw & bring in their Votes for a Moderator, & the Votes being' accordingly brought in & sorted, it appeared, that M^ Jonathan Mason was chosen Moderator of this Meeting. That Article in the Warrant, Viz'. " To determine what Meas- ures shall be taken, respecting the Poor of Boston, & the Sum of Money that shall be raised for their Support" — was read — & after considerable Debate, it was moved & Voted, that the farther Con- sideration thereof be referred to 3 O'Clock Afternoon That Article in the Warrant, Viz'. " To consider & estimate what Measures shall be taken, to estimate the Damages the Town has sustained since the Port Bill took Place " — was read — & after long Debate, Voted, that the farther Consideration be referred to the Afternoon. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to 3 O'Clock P.M. Boston Town Records, 1776. 251 3 O'clock P.M. met according to Adjonrraent The Town brought in theii- Votes for two Overseers of the Poor, & upon sorting them, it appeared, that Isaac Smith Esq. M"". Edward Payne were chose Overseers of the Poor the Year ensuing. [74.] The Town again took into Consideration the Article in the Warrant relative to the Poor of Boston ; & a Vote in writing was prepared, which was committed to M^ Otis for Amendment The Town again entered upon the Consideration of that Article in the Warrant relative to estimating the Damages the Town has sustained since the passing the Port Bill — Whereupon Voted, that Col: Daws M^ Joseph Barrel M"". Ezekiel Price Col: Bromfield M". Ebenezer Dorr Col: Barber Capt Procter be a Coiiiittee to consider & report a List of suitable Persons to be employed by the Town in Estimating the Damages sustained by them since the Port Bill took place. On a Motion made, Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be, & hereby are given to John Barret & John Leverett Esq", for their faithful Services, as Overseers of the Poor a Num- ber of Years past. Whereas the General Assembly of this State, by their Resolve of the 17*. of October last, determined that the Inhabitants of Boston disposed in the several Towns in this State, & suppoi'ted at the public Expence, be returned to the Town, on or before the 1'. of December next, & maintain'd at the Expence of the Town ; & the Selectmen of Salem have informed the Overseers of the Poor, that they intend to send the poor, formerly belonging to the Alms House, & now in the Hospital at Salem, to this Town by Water, on the 12"^. or 13''. of this Month, their being at this Time no Money in the Treasury, nor any Tax made, that, in the present distressed State of the Town, can possibly be collected for the Re- pairs of the Almshouse, & the Support of said poor — Voted, that the Town Treasurer be, & he hereby is directed & impowered to borrow from [75.] Time to time such Sums of Money, as he may have Occasion for, to pay the Draughts of the Overseers of the Poor, for the Support of said Poor, to the Amount of five thousand Pounds, & to give his Note or Notes for the same on In- terest. That Article in the Warrant, Viz'. " To appoint a Comittee to examine into the State of the Town Treasury, and the Annual Ex- pences of the Town" — was read — Whereupon Voted, that M^ Joseph Barrel Col: Daws M^ Edward Payne M'. Banet M'. Storer 252 City Document No. 91. be a Comitee for the Purpose aforesaid, & to report as soon as may be That Article in the Warrant, Viz'. " To determine what Num- ber of Schools shall be opened, & the Salaries that shall be allowed the Masters & their Ushers" — was read & considered — where- upon. Voted, that the School in Queen Street, of which M"". John Car- ter is Master, be immediately opened for the Accommodation of the Youth in that part of the Town . Voted, that the Gentlemen the Selectmen be, and hereby are directed to appoint an Usher for one or all the Schools, if they shall apprehend that Assistance is wanted. Voted, that the Sum of One hundred & Twenty pounds be al- lowed & paid unto M''. Samuel Hunt, for his Salary, as Master of the South Grammar School for the Remainder of the Year, the same to be paid him quarterly, as it shall become due, & to com- mence from the Time the School was opened. • Voted, that the farther Sum of Eighty Pounds, be allowed & paid unto M''. Samuel Hunt, in Additiom to his Salary of £120 — in Consideration of the present high Price of the Necessaries of Life. Voted, that the Sum of One Hundred Pounds [76,] Be allowed & paid unto M". Samuel Holbrook, for his Salary, as Master of the Writing School in the Common the ensuing Year, the same to be paid quarterly as it shall become due, & to commence from the Time the School was opened. Voted, that the farther Sum of Eighty Pounds be allowed & paid unto M"". Samuel Holbrook, in Consideration of the present high Price of the Necessaries of Life. Voted, that the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be allowed & paid unto M"". James Tileston for his Salary, as Master of the North Writing School the Year ensuing, the same to be paid quarterly, as shall become due, & to commence from the time the School was opened. Voted, that the farther Sum of Eighty Pounds be allowed & paid unto M''. James Tiletson, in Consideration of the present high Price of the Necessaries of Life. Voted, that the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be allowed & paid unto M"". James Carter for his Salary, as Master of the Wright- ing School in Queen Street for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid quarterly, as it shall become due, & to commence from the time the School was opened. Voted, that the farther Sum of Eighty Pounds be allowed & paid unto M^ James Carter, in Consideration of the present high Price of the Necessaries of Life. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Monday the 11*. of November instant, 10 O'Clock Forenoon. Monday November 11"'. 10 O'Clook, forenoon — met according to Adjournment. The CoFnittee appointed to consider the Petition of a Number of the Inhabitants relative to several Grievances arising from the forestalling of Wood, Provisions & other Necessaries of Life " — Boston Town Eecords, 1776. 253 beg Leave to recommend, that the Laws relative to Forestallers &c. be immediately put into Execution — that Measurers of Wood be [77.] Immediately appointed, & that every Coaster, that re- ceives a Pass from the Office, have given him the Law relative to Wood — that the Persons employed in Cuitting Wood this Win- ter may not plead Ignorance — That Scales & Weights be fixt in the Market & the Square for weighing small Draughts, to prevent the Iniquity & Damage arising from weighing with Steelyards — That the Inhabitants be as sparing as possible in purchasing of Butter & such other Articles as bear a high Price ; & that all they purchase be by Weight & Measure ; as many Persons that have lately purchased Indian Meal in Bags for two Bushels, on Meas- uring have found considerable wanting — so in Butter, oftentimes there has not been more than fourteen or fifteen Ounces to the Pound. The Coinittee forbear mentioning at present the Names of some Persons hinted to them, who, by engrossing and Forestalling, not only the Necessaries of Life, but many other Articles, are greatly injuring the Town, hoping they will desist from such Practices, so exceedingly prejudicial to the Community, or they must expect to be held up as unworthy the Name of Friends to their Country. Thomas Daws p. Order — The foregoing Report having been read & considered — the Question was put — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affirmative The Coinittee appointed to prepare a List of suitable Persons to be employed by the Town, for collecting an Account of the Damages sustained since the Boston Port Bill, having reported, it was Voted, that Sixty Persons be chosen, as a Committee Five for each Ward, for the Service aforesaid — and the following Persons were appointed. Viz'. Capt. Fortesque Vernon ^ Capt Caleb Hopkins j M^ Thomas Adams V Wards M"". Nathaniel Heath f N°. 1. M"". Zepheniah Hart M'. Benjamin Burt M^ Edward Grant M^ John Lambert jun\ J- IST". 2 M'. Joseph Clark M"". John Brown Francis Shaw Esq. \ Capt Daniel Martin M^ Joseph Eustis \ W. John Wells M". Nathaniel HitchburneJ Nathaniel Barber Esq. M". Thomas Greenough M^ Gibbins Sharp M^ Thomas Crafts jun'. M^ Timothy Atkins 254 City Document No. 91. [79.] r Wards N°. 5 1 8. Capt "William Makay M'. Edward Gray M^ Jonathan Stoddard M'. Asa Stoddard M'. Thomas Hitchburne Joseph Greenleaff Esq. Henry Jackson Esq. Capt Samuel Barrett Capt William Bell M^ Benj^. Sumner Sen^ Capt Downe Cheever M^ Timothy Newell Capt Job Prince M^ Wmiam Homer M^ William Crafts M^ John Lowell M^ Joseph Hall Capt John Bradford M^ Benj*. Eustis Capt Charles Williams M^ Thomas Russell M'. Barthol'^. Kneeland Capt William Fleet M''. John Hudson M"". Thomas Parker Capt Samuel Dogget M' John Tileston Daniel Ingersol Thomas Tileston Henry Tompson Benjamin Church Martin Brimmer Capt Samuel Payne M'. John Preston M^ Rich*^. Honeywell Arnold Wells Esq M'. WUliam Powell Capt Gustavus Fellows M^ Thomas Baley M^ John Lucas On a Motion made, Voted, that Col. Thomas Daws M'. Edward Payne M^ Joseph Barrell M'. Ezekiel Price M^ Henderson Inches Be a Comlttee to draught & report to the Town a sutable Plan of procedure for the Comittee appointed to collect Accounts of the Damages sustain'd since the Port Bill took place. A Motion made for re-considering the Vote for accepting the Report of the Coinittee relative to Forestalling the Market — after long Debate the Motion was withdrawn. M-^ M' M^ M' M' 10 11 12 Boston Town Records, 1776. 255 [80.] Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to 3 O'Clock Afternoon. 3 O'clock P. M. met according to Adjournment. On a Motion made. Voted that this Meeting be adjourned to Monday the IS"", instant, 10 O'Clock — forenoon Monday November the 18'''. 10 O'Clock Before Noon — Met according to Adjournment. On a Motion made, Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to fill up any Vacancy that may happen in the Committee chosen out of the several Wards, for the Purpose of Collecting an Ace', of the Damages the Town has sustained since the Port Bill. The Town bro't in their Votes for an Overseer of the Poor, in the Room of M'. Daniel Waldo, who has not returned from the Country, & upon sorting them it appeared, that M'. Nathaniel Barrett was unanimousljf chosen an Overseer of the Poor for the present Year. On a motion made, Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be, & hereby are given to M'. Daniel Waldo for his faithful Services, as an Overseer of the Poor for a Number of Years past The Comittee appointed to consider & report some proper Method of ascertaining the Losses & Damages occasioned by by the Army & Navy stationed in this Town & Harbour, having attended that Business, & prepared a List of such Articles as appear to them to have been destroyed, damaged or taken from the Inhabitants which they herewith present for the Consideration of the Town — They likewise propose that Hand Bills .be sent to the Inhabitants informing them of the particular contain'd in the Schedule, to be delivered the Comittee for each ward, & that the Sufferers be therein desired to have a particular Account of their Losses ready to delivered the Coinittee, on, or before the 10-''. Day of December next. [81.] In this Schedule, no Ace', is proposed to be taken of the Losses sustained by the Port Bill, as no just estimate can be made of the loss of the Trade, & the Difficulties in carrying it on, which so great, as to induce some Merchants to quit Business &• sell their Vessels at a considerable Loss. The General Assembly in their Resolve, having directed their Comittee to extend their Enquires as far back as the taking place of the Port Bill, it will be proper to take Notice of such Facts, as may be ascertained relating to the DiflSculties occasioned by this cruel & barbarous Act, Viz'. The Number of Vessels in the Harbor, when Advice was received of said Bill being passed, many of which went to Sea not fully loaded, others went to Salem, Plymouth and other Parts some in Ballast, & others to eompleat their Loading part of which was carted from hence. The Number & Burthen of Vessels belonging to this Town, that entered & cleared at the Port of Salem, the quantity of Goods imported in said Vessels, & the Expence of carting them from thence. The expence of unloading & reloading the Vessels loaded with 256 City Document No. 91. Victuals & Fruit, that were obliged to call at Marblehead, & be there examined, & the Expence of Carriers, Masters & Seamen travelling to & from the Harbor, where their Vessels were loading & unloading. There are Charges that have been paid by Owners of Vessels, & if the bare Carting the G-oods imported & exported, amount to so considerable a Sum, as will appear by this Account, the Assembly may be convinced that the Inhabitants of this Town were very great Sufferers by that Act. — By Order of the Comittee Thomas Daws Chairman The Hand Bill reported is as follows, Viz*. The Hon"''". Continental Congress, & the General Asembly of this State, having resolved, that a just & well [82.] Authen- ticated Account of Hostilities committed by the ministerial Troops & Navy in America, since March 1775, be collected with proper Evidence of the Truth of the Facts related ; the Number and Value of the Buildings destroyed by them, also the Number & Value of the Vessels, inward & outward bound, which have been seized by them, as near as can be ascertained ; also the Stock taken by them from the different Parts of the Continent. The Inhabitants of the Town of Boston are hereby notified, that Committees are appointed for each Ward, to ascertain the Value of the Buildings wholly destroyed, & the Expence of repairing such as were partly destroyed ; also to receive from such Persons as have been Sufferers a particular Account in Writing, & on Oath, of the Losses and Damages they have suffered, either in Merchan- dize, Furniture, Plate, Money, or other Personal Estate: And those who have been Sufferers by the_Army or Navy, are desired to get their Accounts, ready for the Comittees, on or before the 10"'. of December next, when the Committees will attend this Business, & call upon the Inhabitants for said Accounts. And the Inhabi- tants are farther informed, that a Schedule is delivered to said Coihittees, containing the Method in which they are to proceed in ascertaining the same : The Heads of each Column being as follows Column 1'. Names of the Sufferers, & of the Public Buildings de- stroyed, or otherwise damaged. Col. 2''. Number & Value of dwelling Houses & other Buildings wholly destroyed. Col. S'^. Expence of repairing Dwelling Houses, AVharves & other Buildings partly destroyed. Col. 4'". Expence of repairing the Meeting houses, & other public Buildings, made Use of as Barracks. Col. 5. Damages sustained in Lands on the Neck, Common, and where their Works were erected, & the Fences in every part of the Town. Col. 6. Value of Household Furniture destroyed, damaged, or carried away by the OflScers & others as appears by attested Ac- counts, left with the Committee [83.] Col. 7"'. Number & Value of Vessels & Cargoes, seized and taken. Col. 8"'. Value of Stock, Hay, Grain, Houses, and other Build- Boston Town Records, 1776. 257 ings on the Islands & in the Harbours, taken, destroyed or dam- aged. Col. 9'^. Value of Merchandize & other Effects taken from the Inhabitants, as P Account of Particulars. Col. 10"*. Value of Salt thrown into the Sea, Liquors stove and other Articles destroyed Col: 11''': Yearly Rent of Dwelling Houses & other Buildings occupied by the Officers, or improved as Barracks, some of which were contracted for, & others taken by Force, & no Rent paid for either. Col: 12* : Yearly Rent of Houses occupied by the Inhabitants removed out of Town, many of which still remain empty, as the Occupiers are not returned. Col: 13'^ ; Number & Value of Arms taken from the Inhabitants lodged in the State House, & destroyed by General Howe's Order. Col: 14* : Value of Cannon & Stores taken out of the Batteries, or destroyed, & the Town's Stock of Powder. Col: 15* : Charges of transporting Furniture & Families into the Country & back again to Boston. Col: 16* : Sum total of the Losses & Damages The foregoing Report having been read & considered — The Question was put — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affirmative. On a Motion made, that a seperate CoiSittee may be chosen for the special Purpose of Estimating the Damages the Town has sustained by the Boston Port Bill, so called. Voted, that Col: Daws M'. Edward Payne M' Joseph Barrel ' M'. Ezekiel Price M"". Henderson Inches [84.] Be, & hereby are appointed a Committee for the Pur- pose aforesaid. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Wednesday the 27* of November instant, 10 O'Clock Forenoon, and the Meeting was accordingly adjourned. Wednesday November 27*. 1776. 10, O'Clock A.M. Met ac- cording to Adjournment. The Comittee appointed to examine the State of the Town Treasury, & the Treasurer's Accounts, Report — That they have attended that Service & find the Accounts right cast & well vouched. — The Treasurer charges himself with sundry Rents, Fines & other Incomes of the Town, to the Amount of £7122 ,, ,, 2| including Ballance of old Accounts ; & discharges himself by sundry Abatements made the Collectors, amounting to — £795 ,, 18 ,, 2 — by Draughts from the Selectmen of £4421 ,, 17 ,, 7^ of which he has paid only £3910 ,, 14 ,, 5| — by Draughts from the Overseers of the Poor £3458 ,, 11 ,, 2 — the Charges of the Almshouses of which he has paid only £2628 ,, 18 ,, 5 — By Sundry Sums of Interest paid £167 ,, 11 ,, 7 — The Comittee find the above Sums, including £1211 ,, 8 ,, 10^ (bad Debts ordered by the Town to be cancelled) amount to 258 City Document No. 91. £10055 ,, 7 ,, 5 — which leaves a Ballance against the Town £2933 „ 7 „ 2^. • The Committee find the State by the Books in March 1775, but they apprehend the true State at the present Day, without taking into the Account a Number of nominal Debts of no Value, ib thus — ■ Due to sundry Persons, as p. Notes — on Interest £6208 „ 10 „ 11^ Interest due to the present day — at least - - 800 ,, ,, Unpaid on the Selectmen ife Overseers draughts ) .q., ^ o4- £1140 ,, 9 ,, 6 of which is none on Interest f ^ ^ " " l Cash borrowed in Part of the £2000 - - - | g2j ^^ y Voted in May last i The whole Debts now due - ----- £9745 ,, 7 ,, 7| [85.] There appears to come to the Credit ^ the following sundry Debts on the j Books to the Amount of £1489 ,, 19 „ 9 1^ £230 which the Committee suppose will never neat the Town above ------- Due from Collectors of Taxes - - - Viz'. From Abraham Savage - - - - £523 Edward HoUyday 492 Benjamin Gray ------ 345 Benjamin Henderson - - - - 169 £1129 Due from the Estate of John Ruddock ) 204 ,, 13 „ 8f £1529 ^ Deduct due to them for Premiums 400 I The Town will judge what Part of this - f is likely to be collected & when - - - - J Esq. on Account of Lotteries - - - - j £1563 ,, 13 ,, 8^ Allowing all the above to be good, which the Comittee by no means think the Case, then will be a Ballance against the Town of £8181 ,, 13 ,, 11 And the Vote for the Support of the Poor - 5000 - - - The current Charges for the present Year ) - 2500 - - - — of Schools, Town Watch &g &c will be j Total Debt £15681 „ 13 „ 11 By the above it appears, when the Sums already voted, are bor- rowed & Provisions made for the present Year, the Town wOl be in Debt to the amazing Sum of £15681 ,, 13 ,, 11 — which there appears no Fund to discharge The Coinittee beg leave to suggest to the Town, whether it would not be best, in future, that the Money granted for each particular Year, should be invariably applied to defray the Ex- penses of that Year only, & that it be made a Rule, that the first Draughts should be first paid ;----------- [86.] The Comittee are of Opinion, that a Regulation of this kind, would be for the C redit of the Town, & encourage the Hearts of the Officers of the Town, as every Man then be assured Boston Town Records, 1776-77. 259 of his Money in his Turn, without any needless Attendance, & the Punctuality would prevent those useful Servants of the Town, the Schoolmasters, from appearing, by their Heirs, as Creditors of the Town. The Comittee would farther suggest, in Order to prevent a List of Abatements of Taxes appearing yearly in the Treasurer's Accounts, that the Assessors be directed, immediately after they have taken Accounts in March of the Polls & Rateable Estates, & have estimated the same in order for an Assessment to serve the Inhabitants with an Account of what they are to be rated for, & at what the same is valued ; this will give Opportunity for each Person, if overvalued, to apply to the Assessors before the Tax comes out, & when the Abatements are made in the Valuations, & the Tax is compleated, that the Assessors assert in the Tax Bill, how much in the Pound is rated ; & the List of all the rateable Estates of any Person, be left with the Selectmen, or Town Treas- urer, & upon for the Inspection of every one All which is humbly submitted By Order of the Committee Joseph Barrel, Chairman N.B. Besides the foregoing Charge of £2500 Charges of Salary Men for the present Year, it has been usual for the Select- men's - - Draughts for other contingent Charges to amount to £2000 — which ought to be added to the present Years Expence, as it will be called for & will make the Town's Debt near Eightee)i Thousand Pounds. The foregoing Report was read, & after considerable Debate had thereon Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed to collect from the several Debtors to the Town, whatever Sums of Money may be due from them respectively. Voted, that the Representatives of this Town, be, & they here- by are instructed, to use their Influence in the Gen^ Assembly of this State, that a new Valuation be taken. [87.] Voted, that the farther Consideration of the Report of the Comittee on the State of the Treasury, be referred to next Town Meeting, & all other Matters not acted upon in this Meeting The Town brought in their Votes for one Overseer of the Poor, in the Room of M'. Barrel, who declines accepting that Trust ; and upon sorting the Votes, it appeared, that M^ Peter Boyer was unanimously chosen an Overseer of the Poor for the remainder of the Year. Voted, that this Meeting be dissolved, and it was accordingly dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duely qualified and legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall, Thursday, the 6'*". day of February, A.D. 1777. 10 O'Clock Forenoon Warrant for Calling the Meeting — read 260 City Document No. 91. The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Moderator, and upon sorting them it appeared that M''. Jonathan Mason was chosen Moderator of this Meeting — The Article in the Warrant, Viz'. "To consider & determine upon the most elfectual Measures to have the Act of the General Court to prevent Monopolies & Oppression, & for regulating the Prices of the Necessaries of Life & sundry Goods, strictly com- plied with, not only from the Laws & Authority of this State, but as absolutely necessary for the effectual Security of the essential Rights & Liberties of Aynerica" was read & considered — where- upon a Motion was made — That a Comittee of Thirty Six Persons be chosen out of the several Wards, of such as are not in Trade, to aid & assist the Selectmen, & Coinittees of Correspondence, Inspection & Safety, by Information, or other legal Ways, in carrying into Execution the late Act to prevent Monopolies, [88.] &c. agreable to the true Intent & Meaning of said Act — and the Question being put — Passed in the Affirmative. — also Voted, that M'. Ezekiel Price M''. Joseph Russell M^ Samuel Barret M^ Thomas Walley M"". John Ballard be a Comittee to consider & report, at 3 O'Clock P.M. for the Acceptance of the Town, a Number of suitable Persons for the aforesaid Committee. Adjourned to 3 O'Clock afternoon 3 o'clock P M. met according to Adjournment The Coinittee to report the Names of three Persons in the sev- eral Wards, to serve on the foregoing Coinittee - — Reported accord- ingly — Whereupon, Voted, that ( Capt. Thomas Adams Wai-ds ISr°, 1. < John R. Sigoney ( M^ Samuel Burril ( Mess''^ Gyles Harris 2. < Elias Parkman (^ William Page I Mess". Joshua Pico 3. < Thomas Kimble i Thomas Christie J Mess". Francis Shaw Esq. 4. I John Prince Mess". George B. Gedney 5. -l Thomas Sherburne Jun''. Oliver Greenleaff Mess". Joseph Hall Will"". Frobisher Samuel Sloan [89.] Wards N". 7. ( Mess". Isaac Peirce Joseph Callender Ephraim Copeland Boston Town Records, 1777. 261 !Mess". Jeremiah Belknap Nathaniel Noyes Russel Sturgis Mess". William Sutton 9. -l Samuel Bass Francis Archibald Mess". Thomas Uran 10. ^ Job Wheelwright Benj". Cudwoi'th Sen'. Mess". Obadiah Curtis 11. -j James Tompson (Distiller) William Fallas Mess". Capt Benjamin Cobb 12. ^ John Bradford jun'. ( William Lowder be & hereby are appointed a Comittee, to aid & assist the Select- men & Coinittee of Correspondence &c. by Information, or other legal Ways, in carrying into Execution the late Act of this State to prevent Monoplies &c. agreable to the true Intent & meaning thereof On a Motion made, Voted, unanimously, that a Coinittee be now chosen, to consider & report, at the Adjournment, what they judge necessary for the Town to do, in order to obtain a sufficient Sup- ply of Provisions of all Kinds, & to promote the salutary Inten- sions of the late Act, to prevent Monoplies, &c. Voted that Mess". John Ballard Thomas Walley Edward Green Benjamin Kent Esq. Nathaniel Appleton Joseph Russell John Sweetser [90.] Be, & hereby are appointed a Committee for the Purpose aforesaid Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Wednesday next, 10 O'clock A.M. Wednesday February 12*. 1777, 10 O'Clock Forenoon Met according to Adjournment. The Coinittee " To consider what they judge necessary for the Town to do, in Order to obtain a sufficient vSupply of Provisions of all Kinds, & to promote the salutary Intention of the late Act to prevent Monoplies, &c. — Reported — and said Report having been read — Voted, that the Paragraph in said Report which re- lates to the procuring Flour for the Town, be recommitted — Voted, that M^ Edward Payne, Deacon Davis & M^ Samuel Barret be added to the above Committee. Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P.M. 3 o'clock P.M. Town met according to Adjournment The Coinittee to whom was referred the Paragraph relative to Flour, — Reported — And after the same was read and considered, Voted, that the farther Consideration thereof be referred to the Adjournment. — — 262 City Document No. 91. Moved, that a Comittee be appointed, to make Enquiry, & as- certain, as near as may be, the Quantity of Flvjur now in Town & what is expected soon by Water ; as also to confer with some Mer- chants relative to the Terms on which they will import Provisions abroad for the use of the Inhabitants — to report at the Adjourn- ment — And the Question being put — Passed in the Affirma- tive Voted, that John Ballard Thomas Walley Edward Green Benj''. Kent Esq. Nathan'. Appleton Esq. Joseph Russell John Sweetser Edward Payne [91.] Deacon Davis Samuel Barnet Esq. be a Committee for the Purpose aforesaid. The Report of the Committee relative to Monoplies, &c. was read & passed, Paragraph by Paragraph, & is as follows, Viz'. The Committee appointed on Thursday the 6"*. current, to con- sider what they judge necessary for the Town to do, in order to obtain a sufficient Supply of Provisions of all Kinds, & to pro- mote the salutary Intention of the late Act to prevent Monoplies &c. beg leave to report That upon the strictest Enquiry we find, that the present great Scarcity of Provisions in the Town, arises principally from a Num- ner of Engrossers, who have monoplized great Quantities of Rum, Sugar, Molasses, Cotton- Wool, Coffee, Cocoa, &c. & most Kinds of Cloathing, & now refuse to sell (as your Coihittee are informed) at the Prices affixt by the late Act of the General Court, by which means the People from the Country complain that they cannot get a necessary Supply of those Articles. We would not be understood to charge all Traders in Town with acting so base a Part, as several worthy Inhabitants in Trade are selling their Articles agreeable to the Prices stipulated in the late Act ; &, we have no Doubt, if others in Trade would follow their laudable Example, & the Stores in General were open, & Goods sold agreeable to said Prices, we should soon have as full a Sup- ply of Provisions from the Country, as is usual at this Season of the Year. It is therefore most earnestly recommended to all the Inhabitants of this Town, that have any Articles more then they want for their Consumption, that they would immediately comply with the Act, by selling them agreeable to the Prices fixt therein, as they request the Peace of the Town, the Distresses of the poor, fixing our Medium to a certain Value, & strengthening the Hands of Government, at this Critical & Iin2)ortant Day. [93.] Your Comittee likewise of Opinion, that it would be proper for the Town to encourage a Number of Fishermen in Ad- dition to those already in that Business, that the Town may be more fully supplied with Fresh Fish Boston Town Records, 1776. 263 "We beg leave farther to recommend to the Town, that the Comittee of Correspondence be desired to write to the Committees of Corre- spondence in the neighbouring Towns, informing them of what this Town has done, & desiring them to use their Endeavors, to prevent any Misunderstanding by false Reports spread by the Tory Party, & to assure them, that the Inhabitants will exert them- selves to the utmost, that the People in the Country Towns shall be supplied with Articles, agreable to the Prices afflxt in the late Act of this State for preventing Monopolies, &c. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Fryday next, 3 O'Clock P. M. Fryday the 14* of February, 3 O'Clock P. M. Met according to Adjournment The Comittee appointed " to make Enquiry, and to ascertain as near as may be, the Quantity. of Flour now in Town & what is ex- pected soon by Water ; as also to confer with some Merchants relative to the Terms, on which they will import Flour from abroad, for the Use of the Inhabitants " — Report, — That on the strictest Imquiry & fullest Information, they find in the Posession of Col: Doane between two & three hundred Barrels — of M'. Thomas Boylstou two hundred — & of the several Bakers upwards of an hundi'ed, the whole Quantity not exceeding Six Hundred That they have the pleasure to be infoi-med, that several Gen- tlemen have ordered, & expect the several Quantities hereafter mentioned — Viz'. M^ William Foster 700 bbls Cap Hains 600 M^ Smith - - - 400 [93.] Capt Prince 600 bbls Mess^ Pitts & Call ----- 500 M^ Winthi-op 900 making in the whole Three Thousand Seven Hundred That M'. Powell has assured them, that he will send a Vessel, which he has ready, for six hundred bbls, as soon as he can be advised of the Withdraw of certain British Ships of War ; now infesting the River & Capes of Delaware. — That M^ Jepson has engaged to send for Six Hundred & Fifty. — These, with what are now on hand, will amount to five thousand nine hundred Bar- rels. Your Coinittee farther report, that upon freely conversing with several Importers of that Article, it is their Opinion that Gen- tlemen may be found, who will undertake to import for the Use of the Inhabitants, the whole Quantity which may be necessary to make up the Deficiency arising from Captures of those expected, & the Inadiquacy of the Supply (should even the whole already ordered arrive) on being assured of a reasonable Profit on the same. The foregoing Report having been read & considered — and the Question being put — Whether the same shall be accepted — ■ Passed in the Affirmative M^ Lindal Pitts attended by Desire of the Inhabitants, and 264 City Document No. 91. gave the Town Satisfaction, as to the Quantity of Flour by him imported & what remained unsold M^ Boylston attended, & informed the Town that he did not know but he might have near 300 Barrels of Flom' at this Market Voted, that Mess'. John Ballard Thomas Walley Edward Green Benjamin Kent Esq. Nathaniel Appleton Esq. M^ Joseph Russell M''. John Sweetser M^ Edward Payne [94.] Caleb Davis Esq. Samuel Barrett Esq be a Coiiiittee to confer with the Importers of Flour relative to the Terms, on which they will import a Quantity of that Article, for the Use of the Inhabitants, & to report at the Adjournment. Adjoui-ned to Monday next the 17"*. of February, 10 O'Clock Forenoon. The Coihittee appointed on the 14*. Instant, To confer with the Importers of Flour, relative to the Terms on which they will import a Quantity of that Article for the Use of the Inhabitants — Reported & after considerable Debate had thereon, — A motion was made, & the Question accordingly put — 'J'hat said Report be withdrawn — Passed in the Affirmative. On a Motion made — Voted, that a Coiiiittee be appointed to apply to all those Persons in this Town, who are possessed of Flour, West India, or other Goods, enumerated in the Act against Monopoly & Oppression, & require of them a direct Answer to the following Question — Will ym take the Price set by thi-i Stated — And report the Names & Answers of said Persons, that the same may be made Public in the News Papers — to shew the Readiness of the Inhabitants of this Town to comply with said Acts — Also Voted, that the Coiiiittee appointed for the several Wards to aid the Selectmen & Coiiiittee of Correspondence, Inspection & Safety, by Information or other legal Ways, be a Coihittee for the Purpose aforesaid. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to 3 O'Clock P.M. 3 o'clock P.M. met according to Adjournment On a Motion made, Voted, that a Coihittee be appointed to consider & report what they judge will be the most suitable Methods to obtain a Supply of Provisions for the Inhabitants of this Town Voted, that Mess". Shubael Hewes M^ John Ballard [95.] Capt Dalton Plenry Williams Josiah Torrey Joseph Greenleaff Esq. M^ Adam Colson be a Committee for the Purpose aforesaid. • Boston Town Records, 1776. 265 On a Motion made, the Question was put, Viz'. — Whether the Town will encourage such Inhabitants with their Custom, as shall set up Butchers Stalls in this Town, for the Supply of the Inhabi- tants with Provisions — Passed in the Affirmative Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Wednesday next the 19'". Instant. 3 o'Clock P.M. 3 O'clock, February 19"*. Town met according to Adjournment Coinittee appointed to make Enquiry of the Merchants & Traders in the several Wards — "Whether they will take the Price set by this State on their Goods " ? — Reported, all but the Coinittee for Ward N°. 2 — which Reports were accepted by the Town On a Motion made. Voted, that the Moderator of this Meeting be desired to acquaint the Attorney General of this State, That it is the Desire of the Town, that he would give Information to the Grand Jury now sitting, of all Persons that act in Violation of the Law to prevent Monopolies &c as they shall come to his Knowl- edge. Voted, that M"^. Harbottle Dorr be added to the Coinittee for Ward N". 2. to make Enquiry &c Voted, that M"^. Jonathan Brown be of the Committee for Ward N°. 1. in the Room of Capt Thomas Adams, who declines. On a Motion made. Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to let such Persons occupy Gratis, 'till the farther Order of the Town, the Stalls in Faneuil Hall Market, & such only as are not Foi'e- stallers, & will bring in their Provisions, & dispose of them to the Inhabitants in larger, or smaller Quantities, [90.] Agreable to the true Intent & Meaning of the late Act to prevent Monopoly & Oppression. Voted, that the Inhabitants of this Town be desired not to go beyond the Hay Market to purchase Fuel, or Provisions, as they would regard the Interest of the Town in general, & avoid the Displeasure of their Fellow Citizens The Coinittee appointed to consider & report what they shall judge to be the most suitable Methods to obtain a Supply of Pro- visions for the Inhabitants of this Town — Reported — and had to withdraw this Report Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be & hereby are given to M^ Jonathan Mason, the Moderator of this Meeting for his good Services. Then the Meeting was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duely qualified & legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled, at the Old Brick Meeting House, December 4"\ 1776 Warrant for calling the Meeting read- Upon a Motion made. Voted, to come to the Choice of a Mode- rator by a Hand Vote. 266 City Document No. 91. M'. Jonathan Mason chosen Moderator of this Meeting not be- ing able to attend. Benjamin Kent Esq. was chosen Moderator of the Meeting. Samuel Barret Esq. was chosen, unanimously, an Overseer of the Poor, in the Room of M"". Peter Boyer, who declined serving. The Article in the Warrent, Viz*. " To consider & determine. Whether a Petition shall be presented to the Great & General Court of this State, praying that this Town may be [97.] En- abled to raise immediately, what shall be judged & determined by the Hon'''^. Court, to be their full Quota, or Proportion of the Num- ber of Men, this State is to raise, for the Continental Army, act cordingly to a Resolve of the Hon'''^. the Continental Congress, instead of draughting a Part of their Militia, as ordered by a late Act" — was read & Considered — Whereupon Voted, that Benjamin Kent Esq. Samuel Barret Esq. Thomas Daws Esq. M^ Joseph Barret M^ Ellis Gray M^ Ebenezer Dorr M^ Ezekiel Price be a Comittee to draught a Petition to the General Court, for the Purpose aforesaid to be reported at the Adjournment. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to To-morrow 10 o'Clock A.M. to meet at Faneuil Hall. Thursday the 5"*. day of December 1776, 10 o'Clock A.M. met at Faneuil Hall according to Adjournment. The Coiiiittee appointed to draught a Petition to the General Court — Reported the following Draught, Viz', State of Massachusetts' Bay, To the Hon'''^ the Coun- cil & House House of Representatives of said State, in General Court assembled. The Petition of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, Humbly sheweth, That by a late Act of this State, one fourth Part of all the able Bodied Men of the Militia is to be raised by Inlistmen, Lot, or Draught, & to remain in the Service three Months only, from the Time of their Mustering. That your Petitioners always have been, & even now, [98.] Altho' so peculiarly reduced by the present War, are ready to eon- tribute their ft dl Proportion of Aid & Assistance in every respect, especially for the carrying on & supporting the present Contest. But your Petitioners beg leave to represent to your Honors, that they have good Reason to apprehend, they could raise such a Num- ber of Men, to serve for three Years, or during the War, as would be their full Quota or Proportion of the whole Number assigned Boston Town Records, 1776-77. 267 for this State by the Hon'''®. Continental Congress; & that they can effect the same, near, or quite as soon, as the time in which they will be able to procure the Men, who are to serve only for three Months Your Petitioners are led to this Step, not only from the Appre- hension they have of being able to effect the same, but in Order to save very large Sums, that must Necessarily be expended to raise Men for three Months only, a Term scarcely sufficient to ar- rive even at the Seat of War ; & certainly too Short, to acquire any Military Knowledge, though long enough to suffer many of the ill-Conveniencies of the Campaign ; to notliing of the Advan- tages the Soldier has, who has seen Service, over the new Recruits — That he is seasoned to the Difficulties, & gets a Relish for that Way of Life, & is not exposed to the Disorders of a Camp, — whereas frequent Draughts, tho' for a short time, take our Men from their necessary Occupation, & give them a Habit of Idleness, which cannot fail of being very prejudicial to the State at large, & must be extremely distressing to all, & ruinous to many of their Families, whose Heads are called from them by Lot, or taken by the more disagreable Alternative of Draught. Your Petitioners therefore pray your Honors to give Orders, that this Town may raise its just Quota of the Levies assigned, in the Way they now propose : But in Case they cannot procure the whole in this way, the aforesaid Act may stand in force, as to any Deficiency, until the whole is compleated And your Petitioners as in Duty bound &c [99.] The foregoing Petition having been read and con- sidered Voted, that the same be accepted, & that a fair Draughts of the Petition be taken ; & that the Gentlemen the Selectmen be desired to sign & present the same to the General Court in behalf of this Town. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Monday next, 10 o'clock Forenoon, at the Old Brick Meeting House. Met according to Adjournment, Monday the 9"". day of December, 10 o'Clock Forenoon, Old Brick Meeting House. Benjamin Kent Esq', in the Chair After considerable Time spent in Debates, on a Motion made Voted, that this Meeting be dissolved — and it was accordingly dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duly qualified and legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall, on Wednesday the 5*'\ day of March Anno Domini 1777. Warrant for Calling the Meeting — read Jonathan Williams Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meet- ing _ The Comittee appointed by the Town, the 5"*. of March last, to 268 City Document No. 91. apply to a proper G-entleman to deliver an Oration, the 5"*. of March Instant, to perpetuate the Memory of the horrid Massacre perpetrated on the Evening of the fifth of March 1770, by a Party of Soldiers under the Command of Capt Thomas Preston of the 29*. Regiment — Reported [100.] "That having met together several Times for the Purpose mentioned in the I'own Vote, they had unanimously made Choice of Benjamin Hitchburne Esq. to deliver an Oration the fifth of March Instant, who had accordingly accepted of that Service." The above Report having been made by the Chairman of the Coiiiittee, the Question was put — Whether the same shall be accepted? — Passed in the AflSrmative. Upon a Motion made, the Town took into Consideration, what would be the best Time to have the Oration pronounced, as also what Place would be most, suitable for the Purpose — Whereupon Voted, that the Oration be delivered at 12 o'Clock at the Old Brick Meeting House, the Hall not being capacious enough to receive the Inhabitants, that attended upon the Occasion, the Coiuittee of that Society, having, upon Application, consented that the Meeting House should be made use of for this Purpose. Voted, that John Brown Esq. Nathaniel Barber Esq. John Pitts Esq. be a Committee to wait upon Benjamin Hitchburne Esq. & acquaint him, that it is the Desire of the Town, that the Oration may be delivered at the Old Brick Meeting House, 12 o'Clock Forenoon Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to the Old Brick Meet- ing House, 12 O'clock Forenoon The Town met accordingly to Adjournment at the Old Brick Meeting House, Twelve O'Clock. The Committee appointed to wait upon Benjamin Hitchburne Esq. to acquaint him with the Vote of the Town, respecting the Time & Place for the Delivery of an Oration — Reported [101.] ' ' That said Gentleman was ready to comply with the Orders of the Town." Alt Ondion to commemorate the horrid Massacre of the Fifth of March 1770, & to impress upon the Minds of the Citizens the ruinous Tendency of standing Armies being placed in free & populous Cities «fec. was deliver'd by Benjamin Hitchburne Esq, to a large & crowded Audience, and received by them with great Applause. Upon a Motion made & seconded. Voted unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be, & hereby are given to Benjamin Hitchburne Esq. for the spirited Oration, delivered by him, at their Request in Commemoration of the hoi-- rid Massacre perpetrated on the Evening of the 5*. of March 1770, by a Party of Soldiers of the 29"\ Regiment, under the Command of Capt Thomas Preston Also, Voted, that Jonathan Williams Esq Boston Town Records, 1777. 209 M^ Ellis Gray Johu Brown P^sq Hon'"'". Thomas Cusliing Esq Col: Henry Jackson M'. Hermon Brimmer W. William Cooper be a Committee to wait upon Benjamin Ilitchburne Esqr, & in the Name of the Town to request of him a Copy of the said Ora- tion for the Press. Oa a Motion made & seconded, \'oted that Jonathan V^illiams Esq. M''. Ellis Gray John Brown Esq Hon'''". Tho\ Cushing Esq. Col: Henry Jackson M\ Ilermon Brimmer M''. William Cooper [102.] Benjamin Hitehb;>rne Esq. be, & hereby are appointed a Committee to apply to a proper Gentleman to deliver an Oration on the 5"\ of March next, to perpetuate the Memory of the horrid Massacre, perpetrated on the Evening of the 5'''. of March 1770, by a Party of Soldiers of the 29''''. Regiment, under the Command of Capt Thomas Preston : And t:> impress upon our Minds the ruinous Tendency of standing Armies being placed in free & populous Cities in a Time of Peace ; & the Necessity of such noble Exertions in all future Times, as the Inhabitants of the Town then made, whereby the Designs of the Conspirators against the public Peace may be still frustrated. A ( ollection was made at this Meeting for M"". Christopher Monk, a young Man now languishing under a Wound by a Shot received in his Lungs by a Shot from Preston's bloody Party of Soldiers on the 5"\ of March 1770 — This Collection amounted to Voted, that the Thanl^s of the Town be, & hereby are given to Jonathan Williams P2sq, Moderator of this Meeting for his good Services. Then the Meetins; was dissolved. At a ]\Ieeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duely qualified & legally warned in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall the 10"' day of March, Anno Domini 1777, I) o'Clock Forenoon. Prayer was made by the Reverend D"". Eliot. Warrant for Calling the Meeting — read. — Sundry Laws enjoined to be read at this Meeting were accord- ingly read The Hon'*''' Thomas Cushing Esq was chosen Moderator of this Meeting by a majority of Votes, & took his Seat accordingly M^ William Cooper was chosen Town Clerk for tlie Year ensu- ing by a Majority of Votes, & took his Place accordingly. 270 City Document No. 91. [103,] The Town proceeded to the Choice of nine Selectmen & the Votes being brouglit in & sorted, it appeared, that John Scollay Esq. M". Samuel Austin Oliver Wendell Esq. John Pitts Esq. John Brown Esq. - - excused M^ Ellis Gray - - - excused Capt Gustavus Fellows ]Vr. Harbottle Dorr James Bowdoin jun"" - excused "W^ere chosen Selectmen for the Year ensuing Adjourned to 3 o'Clock P.M. 3 o'clock P.M. Met according to Adjournment The Inhabitants bro't in their Votes for a Selectman in the Room of M''. Bowdoin, who declined serving, & upon sorting the Votes it appeared that Nathaniel Appleton Esq was chosen — Upon his also declining to serve the Town bro't in their Votes for one in the Room of M^ Appleton, & upon sorting them it appeared that M''. Thomas Greenough was chosen a Selectmen for the Year ensuing. The Town bro't in their Votes for twelve Overseers of the Poor, & upon sorting them it appeared that The hon•^'^ William Phillips Esq. Isaac Smith Esq. M"". Jonathan Mason Capt Sam'. Partridge M'. Sam'. Whitwell M^ John White Edward Procter Esq. Will"\ Powell Esq. M''. John Sweetser jun''. M^ Edward Payne 104.] Samuel Barret Esq. M^ Samuel Hewes were chosen Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing. The Inhabitants bro't in their Votes for a CoTiiittee of Corre- spondence Inspection & Safety, & upon sorting them it appeared, that Col. Nathaniel Barber M^ John Winthrop William Makay Edward Procter Esq. Benj^. Hitchburne Esq. Perez Morton Esq. Capt John Simkins M'. Moses Grant Francis Shaw Esq. M^ Ebenezer Dorr M^ Benj\ Burt D'. Peter Roberts Boston Town Kecords, 1777. 271 M^ Henry Bass M^ WilP\ Davis Capt Amasa Davis M^ Hermon Brimmer were chosen a Comittee of Correspondence Inspection & Safety for the Year ensuing. The Town bro't in their Votes for Sixteen Fire Wards, & upon Sorting them it appeared that John Scollay Esq. Newman Greenough Esq. JVr. William Cooper Edward Procter Esq. Caleb Davis Esq. Major Andi-ew 8ymins Capt. Joseph Webb [105.] M^ John Winthrop Francis Shaw Esq. Thomas Crafts Esq. Ebenezer Hancock Esq. Paul Reviere Esq. M''. Thomas Tileston Capt John Pulling Capt Gustavus Fellows Capt John Ballard were chosen Fire Wards for the Year ensuing. Adjourned to the next Day 10 o'Clock forenoon Tuesday 10 'Clock forenoon met according to Adjournment. — -™ Upon a Motion made & seconded, the Question was put — Wheth- er Collectors of Taxes shall be chose seperate from Constables — Passed in the Affirmative Voted, that the Sum of Five Pounds be remitted out of the Ten Pounds, Fine, to those persons who shall be chose into the Office of Constable for the Year ensuing. Votes for twelve Constables bro't in, the persons chosen into the Office are Mess'. John Wells Tho^ Stevinson Joseph Helyer ------- excused George Thomas Thomas Bradford ------ excused Joseph Foye John Russel Sam'. Greenleaff Benjamin Clark John C overly John Bennet Matthew Wakefield John Bartlet [106.] Mess\ William Crafts John Lambert jun'. Nathaniel Wales 272 City Document No. 91. Stephen Wales Nathan Hancock were cnose Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing. Mess'. Clement Collins Abraham Howard Andrew Symms Joseph Buttler Benj". Page Joseph Ford John Rogers Thomas Uran Edward Ranger John Ikilflneh juu . Joseph Ballai'd James Blake John Lambert jutf. Nathan Hancock Ebenezer Flood John Charapney were chose Surveyors of i^oards for the Year ensuing M^ Henry Blaisdel was chosen a Surveyor of Boards for the Year ensuing. ■ Benjamin Austin Esq. was chosen a Surveyor of Hemp for the Year ensuing. Mess'. Samuel Bangs Jacob Holland Benjamin Bass Nathan Green were chose Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing. [10'7.] M^AdamColson was chosen an Informer of Daer for the Year ensuing. Mess'. John Owen Peter Cotta Manaasseh Masters Benj". Bernard Edward Cowell Israel Cook Richard Flood Samuel Prichard Benjamin Sault Jacob Williams Joshua Pico were chosen Cullers of Staves & Hoops for the year ensuing Mess'. John Wears Elijah Searl Wiil"'. ALFadden were chose Hogreeves for the Year ensuing M'. George Hamlin was chosen a Hayward for the year ensuing. Mess'. Jonathan Farnum Ward N". I William Williams 2 John Harris ' 3 Boston Towx Records, 1777. 273 Joseph Butler 4 Joaathaa Stoddard 5 John Rogers 6 Edw^ard Lad Saunders 7 Thomas Bradford 8 Thomas Russel 9 Samuel Selben 10 Philip Freeman jun'". 11 Nathaniel Cobbet 12 were chose Seavingers for the Year ensuing [108.] The Selectmen were chose Surveyers of the High Ways for the Year ensuing Mess^ John White John Lucas were chose Surveyors of Wheat for the Year ensuing Jonathan Williams Esq. M"". John Svveetser W. Timothy Newell were chose Purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing ; & they are desired & impowered to give all needful Direction to the Keeper of the Granary respecting the Quantit}'- of Grain to be sold, & affixing the Price thereof from time to time, as occasion shall re- quire ; & the said Committee are desired & directed to cause all the Grain belonging to the Town to be ground at the new JMills, near the Mill Bridge, lately occupied by M". Leonard. - Mess^ Thomas Green John Skinner were chose Assay Masters for the Year ensuing. Voted, that M"". Ebenezer Storer M^ Ezekiel Price Nathan'. Appleton Esq. Col. Thomas Daws M^ Tuttle Hubbard be & they hereby are appointed a Co Jiittee to audit the Accounts of M^ Treasurer Jeffries, & also the Accounts of the Overseers of the Poor, and the said Committee are impowered, when they shall audit said Accounts, to allow such of the Overseers as shall ad- vance Money for the Relief of the Poor, Interest on all such Sums as shall be so advanced, until they shall have audited said Ac- counts ; & they are also desired to report ^'rom time to time, a State of the Treasury respecting the Debts & Credits, & on any other Matters that they may think proper. [109.] The Town bro't in their Votes for Two Selectmen in the room of M'. Brown & .\P. Gray, who declined serving, and upon Sorting the Votes it appeared that Jonathan Williams Esq. Ca.ot John Preston were chose Selectmen for the Year ensuing. Votes for a County Treasurer, bro't in, & being sealed up in Town Meeting, were delivered to M". Constable Bennet, to be by bim returned to the Coui't of General Sessions at their next Meet- ing. 274 City Document No. 91. On a Motion made, Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be, & hereby are given to M"". Benjamin Dolbeai' for his faithful Services, as an Overseer of the poor, for many 3ears past. The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Seven Assesors, & upon sorting them it appeared that Deacon Benjamin Church M"". Jonathan Brown Capt Samuel Downe Gyles Harris Esq. M"'. William Lowder M'. George B. Gidney M"". Thomas Foster were chosen Assessors for the Year ensuing On a Motion made Voted, that the Assessors be, and hereby are directed, to prepare a List of the Names of such persons as have left the Town, with the Amount of the Taxes they have usually paid. Adjourned to Fryday next 3 'Clock P.M. • Fryday the 14*. of March 3 o'Clock P.M. Town met according to Adjournment. Mess^ Nathaniel Greenough Edward Gray Lindal Pitts [110.] Joseph Sherburne jua'. Elias Parkman Andrew Brimmer Henry Prentice James Foster Condy William Sherburne AVilliam Mollineux Nicolas Bowes Capt Isaac Cazneau were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing. Voted, that the Assessors be, & hereby are impowered & directed to sit for Abatement of such Taxes, as they shall judge reasonable, on every Wednesday until the last Wednesday in April inclusive, & no longer, saving that they be allowed to sit the two last Weeks in November, for the Abatement of the Taxes of such persons as had not an Opportunity of applying in the above limited time, by reason of their being out of the Province ; at which time they are also allowed & impowered to abate the Taxes of such persons as may have died insolvent between the said last Wednesday in April & the last Day of November. Mess^ Thomas Crafts Joshua Bentle}' Joseph Martin William Fall ass were chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing, but declined accepting & were accordingly excused by the Town. Voted, that the Consideration of Schoolmasters Salaries & all other Salaries & Grants be referred over to next May Meet- Boston Town Records, 1777. 275 The Article in the Warrant, viz'. " To consider whether any thing farther can be done by the Town, to promote the sakitaiy Intentions of the late Act, To prevent Monopoly & Oppression," was read & considered — Whereupon [111.] Voted that M^ Ezekiel Price Samuel Barrett Esq Thomas Daws Esq M^ Joseph Barrel M^ William Bant M''. Martin Brimmer be a Coinittee to consider said Article, and report to the Town at the Adjournment. The Clause in the Wai-rant, viz'. " To consider what Steps are necessary to prevent the Inconveniences & Danger that may hap- pen from persons resorting to, or residing in the Town, wlio are justly suspected of being innimical to the American States " — was read & Considered — whereupon Voted, that Benjamin Kent Esq. M'". William Davis M^ William Gooch Col Edward Procter M^ William Bant Capt John Ballard Francis Shaw Esq. be a Committee to consider the same, & report at the Adjourn- ment Capt Edward Carnes was chosen Surveyor of Hemp, in the Room of M''. Austin, who has resigned. The Town bro't in their Votes for twelve Wardens & upon sort- ing them it appeared, that C. John Simpkins M^ John Lowell M^ Samuel Sloan Capt Samuel Ridgway M^ Stephen Hull Capt Samuel Payne M"". Adam Colson [113.] M^ Thomas Baley M^ Moses Grant M^ Thomas Fleet M''. Henrj^ Bass M". Nathaniel Barber were chosen Wardens for the Year ensuing. Adjourned to nest Wednesday Fortnight 3 'Clock P. M. 3 'Clock P. M. met according to Adjournment On a motion made, the Question was put, viz'. " Whether the Town will reconsider their Vote for referring the Grant of Moneys to May next? " — Passed in the Affirmative. Voted, that the Sum of Eight thousand five Hundred Pounds be raised by a Tax upon Polls & Estates within this Town for the 276 City Document Xo. 'Jl. Relief of the Poor, & clofiaying other necessary Charges arising Avithin the Town the ensuing Year. — — Voteil, that the Sum of one Shilling & six Pence on the Pound be, &. liereby is allowed to such persous as shall be chose Collect- ors of Taxes for the Year ensuing, for all such Sums as they shall collect, proviiled they pay the same into the several Treasuries within four iMonth? — Twelve pence on the pound on all such other Sums, as they shall have paid nito said Treasuries, within Eight INlonths ; & Sis Pence on the Ponud on the Ivemainder of the Sums they shall be obliged to collect, provided such Ixemainder shall be fully paid in, on or before the second Monday in March 1778 — This Premium as above expressed, appears to be just & equitable, & an ample Allowance to the Collectors to encourage them to discharge their Duty with Diligence & Fidelity ; provided also that eacli of said CollectDrs give Bond with suflicient Sureties to the Satisfaction of the Selectmen ibr the faithful Discharge of their Duty in said Office, & complying with this Vote. The Coihittee appointed "• To consider whether any thing further can be done by the Town to promote the salutary Intentions of the [11i>,J Late Act to prevent Monopoly & Oppression" — gave in the following Report, which was accepted, Nem: Cont: — Viz'. Whereas there are now in this Town .".Number of Persons some of whom have removed from the Country hither, others whose Principles are known to be unfriendl'/ to our present Contest with Britons, & some, who wouLl sacrifice the public Interest to satisfy their Lust & Appetites, are daily using every Means in their Power, not only to frustrate the goou iDtention of the Act of this State to prevent Monoply & Oppression, but to lessen & depreciate the Value of the Money established by the Continental Congress, & the several United States in America — that such public P^ne- mies may be known, & to avoid as much as may be the fatal Conse- quences of the wicked Designs of those Persons — It is — Resolved that the Committee of Correspondence Inspection & Safety, be, & hereby are desired, to use their utmost Endeavors to obtain the Names of those Pei'sons, who shall hereafter be so daring, as to be guilty of the Breach of said Act, & represent them in the Public News Papers, as dangerous Enemies to the United States of America, by endeavoring not only to lessen, but destroy the Medium of Trade, and thereby unavoidably reduce the People of this State if not the united States to the utmost Misery & Dis- tress. The Coinittee appointed to consider what Steps are necessary to prevent the Inconveniency & Danger that may ha[)pen from Persons resorting to, or residing in the Town of Boston, who are justly suspected of being //iimicai to the United States," — Report, as our unanimous Opinion, That a Committee of Twelve suitable persons one in each Ward, be chosen to take the Names of all Persons, who have come to i-esido in Town, since the 19"\ of April 1775 — said Committee are also to take the Names of all Refugees & other disaffected Persons & to take the Names of the Towns & States, from whence such persons come, who are justly Boston Town Ivecokus, 1777. 277 suspected of being inimical to the Mtites of America; & make Report from time to tim^ [114,] To the Committer of Corre- spondence, Inspection & .Safety, to be used by them, as Occasion may require ; — also, that said Committee l)e ilirected, in a Body, or by theM'ijor part of them, to visit said Wards. IJeujamin Kent, Chairman p Order The foregomg Re][)ort liaving been read & consi lereil, it was Voted, that the i--ame be accepted — and tliat Mess^ doshtia iJentley . . . for Waixl N". 1 John Lambert 2 Benjamin AVhite 3 Alexander Edwards 4 Capt Jonathan Stoddard 5 Benjamin Sumuer 6 John Rogers 7 Benjamin Edes 8 Nicolas Bowes 9 Adam Colsoa 10 Willinm Fallass 11 William Gooch 12 be a Committee for the Purpose aforesaid Oji a Motion, Voted, that the Selecimeu be desired to apply to the Committee of Sequestration for the Fire Buckets in the Prov- ince House, they to be accountable for the same, & to dispose of them as they may judge for the Salety of the Town. The Town brought in their Votes for lour Collectors, & upon sorting them it appeared, that J\P. Benjamin Cudworlh M^ Josiah Torry M"^. Olive r Greenleaff — excused M''. Benjamin Sumner were chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be given to JVP. Cushing the IVloderator. Then the Meetins: was dissolved. [115 o] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duely qualified & legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall, Saturday, the o**. Day of May 1777 Warrant for calling the Meetinaj — read The hon'''°. Thomas Cushing Esq. was chosen Moderator, but not attending, Benjamin Kent Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting by a Hand Vote The Article in the Warrant Viz'. " To take the Mind of the Town with respect to the best Method of Prci)aration & Defence at this important Crisis" — and after some Debate Voted, that M^ Henderson Inches Col: Sears 278 City Document No. 91. Col: Thomas Daws M\ Read Col: Thomas Crafts M^ Ellis Gray Col: Sergeant Robert Pierpoint Esq Col: Jabez Hatch be a Committee to take this Article of the Warrant under Con- sideration & report at the Adjournment Adjourned to 4 o'Clock P.M. 4 o'clock P.M. met according to Adjournment Capt John Marston, Chairman of the Coinittee to purchase Muskets with the Money allowed by the Province, for broken Guns left by the Enemy, being called upon for the purpose Re- ported verbally — That he had purchased a Number of small Arms & disposed of them to the Inhabitants, agreable to the Vote of the Town. The Coinittee of the Town appointed to consider the best Method of Preparation & Defence, at this important Crisis beg leave [116.] To report, That it is the Opinion of the Town, that the Harbour be block'd up by the sinking of the Hulks {& of Cheavaux de Frize if necessary) so far as to prevent the Entrance of the Enemy's Ships That a Petition be preferred to the General Court, that they would give leave to the Board of War to furnish the Militia of this Town with the necessary Arms & Accoutrements, they being accountable for them That the General Court be requested to suspend the Draught ordered for Providence, & in lieu thereof accept a Number of Volunteers to do Duty in this Town & Harbor, under Col: Crafts, at the present Emergency — & that they immediately take some effectual Measures to secure us from our internal Enemies, which we apprehend cannot be accomplished but by a total Seperation The Committee also beg leave to recommend to the Town that they give the Committee of Fortifying all the Assistance in their Power, for compleating the Works on Noddles Island Henderson Inches, P Order The above Report having been read & accepted. Voted, that the Committee who made the above Report, be desired to draft a Petition, & present the same to the General Court, first laying the same before the Town for their Approbation. Adjourned to Monday 5* Instant, 9 'Clock A.M. Monday 9 'Clock forenoon, met according to Adjournment The Committee appointed to draught a Petition to the General Assembly, Reported as follows, May it please your Plonors, The Inhabitants of the Town of Boston deeply affected with the Necessity & Importance of their being prepared against any In- vasion from our cruel & inveterate Foes, deprived of their Arms by the perfidious Conduct of General Gage. & disappointed in Boston Town Records, 1777. 279 their many Exertions to replace them, eai'nestly pray your Honors, that you would give leave to the Board of War to furnish them with the [117.] Necessary Arms & Accoutrements for their Militia, the Town being answerable for the same And your Petitioners farther pray, that your Honors would re- mit the last Draught ordered to be made upon them, for Provi- dence, & in Lieu thereof accept a Number of Voluntiers, to do Duty in the Town & Harbour under Col: Crafts. Alarmed at the Danger to which they are continually exposed, by the Residence of Prisoners & other disaffected Persons among us — a danger which in an Invasion, might be attended with fatal Consequences — Your Petitioners pray your Honors, that immediate Orders be given for the Reception & necessary Con- finement of Prisoners of every Rank — & that effectual Measures be taken to secure us from our internal Enemies, which we ap- prehend cannot be accomplished, but by a total & instant Sepera- tion. They therefore pray that whenever it shall appear to such Per- sons as the Hon**'® Court shall please to appoint, that the Resi- dence of any Person or Persons in this Town, is inconsistent with the public peace & safety, that they be appointed & impowered to remove immediately such Persons & their Families, to auy place of the United States, and making their Return, without leave first obtained of the General Court, Treason against the State. The foregoing Petition having been read & considered. Voted, that a fair Draught be taken of the same, and presented imme- diately to the General Court bj^ One of our Representatives signed by the Town Clerk, in behalf & by Order of this Town Voted, that Col: Isaac Sears Capt Fortesque Vernon Capt Sam^ Dashwood Capt Gustavus Fellows Capt Job Prince Capt Isaac Phillips Capt Silas Atkins [118.] Be a Committee to advise & assist the Committee ap- pointed by the General Assembly for sinking Hulks in the Har- bour. Adjourned to Wednesday next 10 'Clock forenoon. May 7"" Wednesday 10 'Clock forenoon met according to Ajournment. The Resolve of the General Court relative to several Matters contain'd in the Town's Petition — laid before the Town — also a Resolve of the General Court respecting a form of new Gov- ernment. Voted, that the Selectment be requested to apply to the Field Officers of the Boston Regiment, for a Return of the Names of such persons belonging to said Regiment, as are not furnished with Arms, & are not able to purchase them ; & the Selectmen are hereby iinpowered to receive said Arms &c agreable to the Resolve of the General Court for that Purpose, & that they de- 280 City Document No. 91. liver the Arms to the Captains of the several Companies, & by them d;.'lLveretl to said persons, they to be accountable for the same. On a Motion made. Voted, that the forgoing Vote be recon- sidered, & that the Selectmen be dh-ected & improved to apply to the Hoard of War, for the 7oO Anns t ) be by them disposed of, agreable to the Resolve of the General Court. Vote'l, that the Selectmen be, & hereby are directed & im- powored, to borrow on Interest a sum of Money, sufficient to purchase therewith Ammunition for the Town Stock, & the Supj)ly of the Inhabitants according to the Law: And the To*vn Treasurer is hereby directed & impowered to give his Notes for the same ; & that the Selectmen have a sufficient Number of Cartriges made up for immediate use. Moved & Voted, that tiic Coihittee of Correspondence Inspec- tion & Safety, immediately wait upon the Council of this State, & inform th^'m, that, as the several Forts in this Town, & [119.] Harbor are now destitute of Soldiers, & the Town apprehend immediate Danger therefrom, that the Council would therefore be please:! to t-.ike such Oider thereon, as may be neccessary for the present Security of .*aid Forts. Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be given to Benjamin Kent Esq. Modeiator for his good Services. Then the Meetino; was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitant of the Town of Boston duely qualified & legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled, at Faneuil Hall, Saturday the 17*. day of May Anno Domini 1777. Warrant for calling the IMceting, read. Hon""'-^. Thomas Cnshing E-q. chosen Moderator of this Meeting by a Hand Vote, having excused himself from Serving. M''. Jonathan Mason was chosen Moderator of this Meeting, & took his Seat accordingly. Warrant for calling this Meeting again read ; also the Act rel- ative to inimical Persons in this Town. The Article in the Warrant Viz'. " To chuse by Ballot some Person firmly attached to the American Cause, to procure Evidence that may be had of the inimical Dispositions, towards this, or any of the United States, of any Inhabitauts of this Town, who shall be charged by the Freeholders of being a Person whose Residence in this Stiite is dangerous to the public peace or Safety" — was read, & after long Debate — a motion was made, that the Sense of the Town be taken, whether they will now come to the Choice of such a Person — the Motion being withdrawn, [120.] The In- habitants were directed to bring in their Votes for a Person to procure Evidences &c agreable to a late Act of the Court. — The Votes being bro't in & so.ted, it appeared, that William Tudor Esq. was chosen for the purpose aforesaid. Adjourned to 3 o'Clock P. M. Boston Town Records, 1777. 281 3 O'clock P. M. met according to Adjournment. On a Motion made, Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to re- tire, & make a List of such Persons as they shall know, or believe to be inimical to the united States, and lay the same before the Town. Voted, that M"". Justice Greenleaff be desired to lay before the Town the Boolis, which contain the Names of the Associations &c. — which were accordingly laid before the Town. The Selectmen laid before the Town a List of persons they judgt'd to l)e inimical to llio united States. Voted that AP. John Winthrop jun'. Thomas Crafts Esq. Col: Iloveire Deacon Caleb Davis Col: Isaac Sears be a Coiiiitte to wait upon One of the Uon'''^. Council of t!iis State & desire that the Persons voted by the Town to be iiiiinic;il per- sons to these States, be immediately ap|)rohended & confiucil Adjoui'ued to Mondny Morning lO o'Clock Monday Morning 10 'Clock met according to Adjouinraent The Committt-e chosen onth;' Sa!urday, reported. That they had applied, agreable to ilie Order of the Town, unto One of the Hon'*''^. Board, that the Persons Voted to be inimical to these States, might be apprehended & conlined — But that Ihey had received for [131.] Answer, that this could not be done by him without Advice of Council The following List of su'-h Persons belonging to this Town, as have been endeavoaring since the 19"'. of April 1775. to counter- act the united Struggles of ihis & llie neighboring States, in the Opinion of a Majority of this IMeeling is the List which the Town Cleik is to deliver to two or more Justices of the Peace ibr this County — Quorum Unas — agreable to a late Act of the General Assembly — Viz'. Ebenezer Norwood Mather Byles D. D. Binjamin Phillips D^ Jarnes Lloyd Daniel Ilulibard D^ Isaac Rand jun'. John Tufts Edward Wentworth Willi.im Perry D'. Samuel Danforth George Lush Edward Hutchinson Thomas Edwards Ilopestill Capen Patrick Wall lienjamin Davis Benj". Davis jnn''. David Parker James Perkins 282 City Document No. 91. Nathaniel Gary Richard Green William Jackson Samuel Broadstreet [122.] Thomas Amory Cliarles Whiteworth D^ Thomas Kast John Erving Esq. George Bethune D^ Miles Whitworth The Article in the Warrant, Viz'. " To consider and determine what Number of Persons shall be chose (at a Meeting soon to be called) to represent the Town, in the next General Assembly, was read — and after some Debate, it was moved that the Number of Seven be chose — And the Question being put — Passed in the Affirmative. On a Motion, Voted, that what Matters remain unfinished be referred to the next Town Meeting Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be given to M"". Jonathan Mason, for his Services, as Moderator of this Meeting. Then the Meeting was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duely qualified & legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled, at Faneuil Hall, Thursda}- the 22^. day of May Anno Dom\ 1777 Prayer was made by the Rev*^. D"". Mather. The Precept & Warrant for calling the Meeting read Sundry Laws read The 'Town having at a former Meeting determined to make Choice of Seven Persons to represent them in the Great and Gen- eral Court or Assembly, to be held at the Town House in Boston _[123a] Upon Wednesday the 28*. of May current — The Inhab- itants were accordingly directed to withdraw, & bring in their Votes for Seven Representatives ; & others it was declared by the Selectmen, that no Votes will be received, but such as are un- folded, & that they propose the Poll shall be closed at 12 O'clock. The Votes being bro't in for Seven Representatives, the Num- ber of the same were found to be five hundred twenty three, & upon sorting them, it appear'd that the Six following persons were chosen, Viz'. ' The Hon'^^'^. John Hancock Esq. 304 John Pitts Esq. 520 David Jeffries Esq. 307 Caleb Davis Esq ----------- John Brown Esq ---301 M^ p:ms Gray 518 Voted, the Choice of the other Person to represent the Town be referred to the Afternoon. Boston Town Eecords, 1777. 283 M^ Scollay, Chairman of the Selectmen informed tliat they pro- pose the Poll shall be closed at 4 O'Clock. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to the Afternoon 3 'Clock. 3 'Clock P.M. met according to Adjournment The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw & bring in their Votes for one Representative ; & the Votes being brought in accordingly, the Number of the same were found to be two hun- dred & thirty, & upon sorting them, it appeared, that Oliver Wendell Esq. 132 was chosen. The Choice of Representatives being over & declared by the Selectmen, the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw, & bring their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, in order that the Town may proceed in transacting the other Affairs mentioned in the Warrant; [124.,] Accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew & brought in their Votes, & upon sorting them it appeared, that M"". Samuel Austin was chosen Moderator of this Meeting. The Article in the "Warrant, Viz^ ''To consider whether they will, in Conformity to a Resolve of the late General Assembly, in- struct their Representatives relative to forming a Constitution of Government ; as also, what farther Instructions may be necessary for the Representatives that may be chosen," — was read, & after considerable Debate had thereon — It was moved & the Question accordingly put, viz'. " Whether the Town will give their Repre- sentatives Instructions to form a Plan for a new Government " ? — Passed in the Negative. On a Motion, the Question was put, "Whether the Town will give their Representatives any Instructions whatsoever " ? — Passed in the Affirmative Voted, that Thomas Crafts Esq. John Winthrop Esq. M^ Joseph Barrel Perez Morton Esq. Benjamin Kent Esq. be, & hereby are appointed a Coinittee to prepare a Draught of Instructions for our Representatives in General Assembly'. On a Motion made, Voted, that our Representatives be in- structed to move in the General Assembly, for a Repeal of the Act to prevent Monopoly & Oppression. M''. Brimmer, lately chose one of the Committee of Correspond- ence, Inspection & Safety, having declined Serving, the Inhabi- tants were directed to withdraw, & bring in their Votes for another Person, & the Votes being accordingly bro't in & sorted, it appear'd, that Capt. Isaac Phillips was chosen one of the Comittee of Correspondence &c. for the Year ensuing. [135o] Voted, that the Selectmen be, & they hereby are ap- pointed to act upon the List of Jurors. 284 City Document No. 91. Agreable to a Writ from Ezekiel Price Esq. Clerk of the Ses- sions &c — the following Persons were diawn out of the Jury Box, as Jurors for a special Court, to be held for the Tryal of such Persons as the Town have represented to be Inimical to these States and dangerous to the public Safety — Viz'. Mess". Jeremiah lielknap Edward Carnes Samuel Dash wood William Fallass Jo'ui Newell John Ballard Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Monday next, the 2G"'. Instant, o O'clock Afternoon Monday 2G"\ of May, 3 O'Clock P.M. met according to Ad- journment. The Comittee appointed tf) prepare Instructions for the Gentle- men chose to represent this Town in the next General Assembly, Reported the loUowing Draught. Viz'. To the Hon''-". John Hancock P2sq, David Jeffries, Caleb Davis, Oliver Wendell, John Brown, John Pitts & Ellis Gray, Esq". Gentlemen, You have been chosen by the Voice of the Town of Boston to represent them in the Gre.it & General Court, & as it must be agreable to you to know the Minds of your Constituents in all important M^ittars, we think fit to give j^ou the following Instruc- tions. With rp>p'ct lo the General Courts forming a veto Conslilulion, you arc directed by a unanimous Vote of a full Meeting, on no Terms to consi-iit to it, but to use your Influence, & oppose it [lS0o] Heart. ly, if suc'i an Attempt should be made, for we apprehend this Matter {it a suitable liiw-) will propcrh- come before the paople at laige, to delegate a S-lect Number for that Purpon\ A that alone, when some things wliich wo esteem abso- lutd/j vecessitrt/ to a good Form, may be viewed by a General Couit, in the Liglit of s Ij d ny/iiii/ Ordinaiic(/s, which it is natural to consider, are always disagreable to human Nature: Among other things we have prcuharl/ in Vuncil intirclji i/ale;,eiicletit of the IIoKse, & to prevent the hit hj too pr.vakuit CiiHtom of uciuniidating Offices in One Pers'me : We could wish to establish it, as a certain Pule, that no One person whatever, be en 'rusted with more than One Office at a time (& for the Diciiarge of it, let t!ier;> be honorable Allowance) & to keep tlie A/emLer.i >>/' the G(n'ral Co'uit from aaeplifg any: This we ai)|n\'lien(l will have a hnppy Effect at large, & is agreable to tiie Custom of all States until Corruption & Bribery destroy the Principles of Vertue. You are also move for, & exert yourselves to get an immediate «Ji; total L'epeal of the /Ic/n, commonly called the liegul'ling Ads. Our reasons for desiiing this Pe(]uest are: Becaus ■ we have done our utmost to carry them into Execution, and find them so forui.d, tliat it is impossible to accomplish it; Boston Town Eecoeds, 1777. 285 they are (however well designed) a growing Source of Animosity & ill Will, tending to raise a Difference between Town & Country, at this — important Crisis, an Event ardently wished for by our Enemies, but ought to be guarded against with the utmost Caution by every Friend to this Country, for we are sure that our Interest & Happiness of our Brethren in the Country ; & if ever the 'I'rial is made, we shall assuredly find, that a Disunion & Seperation of such Interest will be the Euin of both. Because, we apprehend, the said Acts have very greatly raised the Price of almost every Article of Life, & we have great [127.] Reason to fear the Evil will be growing, so long as they are in Being — though are firmly of the Opinion, if the Acts are repealed, & our Trade freed from the cruel Shackles, with which it has lately been in judicioudy bound, that Si plentiful Import will, as assuredly lower the Prices, as a Scarcity has raised them : For it has been a known & acknowledged Truth, by all Nations, which were wise enough to encourage Commerce, that Trade must regulate itself ; can never be clogged but to its ruin; & always flourishes when left alone ; it is justly compared to a Coy Mistress, she must be courted with Delicacy, & is ruined by force. Because it has had the greatest Tendency' to destroy our Cur- rency, «& render Money of little Value ; it has thrown mauy of the honest & fair Traders, (who wish to retain a good Commerce) out of Business, & set up in their Room Mushroom Pedlars, who adulterate their Commodities, & take every Advantage, thereby bringing a Disgrace upon Commerce — without which Town nor Country are worth defending. Because we are sure, that very large, & much wanted Supplies, the Property of this State & expected here, are now ordered into some of the Sister States, until these Acts are repealed — In short. Because we have experienced every ill we could possibly fear from these Acts, & have felt the least Advantage from them : We cannot therefore but view them, repleat with innumerable Evils, directly opposite to the Idea of Libert}', & without a Possi- bility of doing any Good ; the first Act, in its Consequences in- troducing all Kinds of Knavery, & the second closes the horrid Scene with Perjury. — If these Acts should be repealed, we conclude the Land-lLmbargo will fall of course. If there should be an Attempt to have the pay of the Represent- atives taken out of the Public Chest, you are directed strenuously to oppose it, as, the only just Method we can conceive of, is, for each Town to pay their own Members. [138.] You are to move that immediate Application be made to Congress, that all the Slates Money might be redeemed with Continental Currency, & each State charged by the Continent for what they receive — If this could be accomplished, and the Money redeemed by Loan-Certificates, it would operate doubly in favor of the States, for us they carry Interest they would be speedily hoarded, & being taken out of Circulation, would give the remaining Currency a proportionably greater Vcdue, and in that Case would be nearly equal to a Tax : Besides, the Currency 286 City Document No. 91. being all of the 9^me Species, a Counterfeit would be more easily discovered, than when a great variety of Money is passing, & it would then be the joint Interest of all the States to keep the Credit good, & might be a farther Means of strengthning the Union. These Matters, with all others that may come before the General Court, we leave to j'our firmness & Prudence, and trust your Exertions in the common Cause will be such as shall recom- mend you to your Fellow Citizens, & what is more your Gain, you to the Approbation of God & your Conscience. The foregoing Draught of Instructions to our Representatives having been read & considered Paragraph by Paragraph — the Question was put — "Whether the same shall be accepted, & given to our Representatives as their Instructions?" — Passed in the Affirmative. On a Motion, Voted, that the foregoing Instructions be printed in the News-Papers. Voted, that the Sum of One hundred & Twenty Pounds be al- lowed & paid unto M''. Samuel Hunt, for his Salary, as Master of the South Grammar School, for the year ensuing, the same to be paid quarterly, as it shall become due, & to commence from the last Quarter. Voted, that the farther Sum of Eighty pounds be allowed & paid unto M^ Samuel Hunt, in Addition to his [129o] Salary of £120 - - in Consideration of the present high Price of the Necessaries of Life. ■ Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed & paid unto INP. Samuel Holbrook for his Salary, as Master of the Writing School in the Common, the year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly, as it shall become due, & to commence from the Expi- ration of the last Quarter. Voted, that the farther Sum of Eighty Pounds be allowed & paid unto M''. Samuel Holbrook, in Consideration of the present high Price of the Necessaries of Life. Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed & paid unto M"^. James Tileston, in Consideration of his Salary, as Master of the North Writing School the year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly, as it shall become due, & to commence from the last Quarter. Voted, that the farther Sum of Eighty pounds be allowed & paid unto M^ James Tileston, in Consideration of the present high price of the Necessaries of Life. Voted, that the Sum of One hundred pounds be allowed & paid unto M^ James Carter, for his Salary, as Master of the Writing School in Queen Street, for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid quarterly, as it shall become due & to commence from the Expi- ration of the last Quarter. Voted, that the farther Sum of Eighty pounds be allowed & paid unto M^ James Carter, in Consideration of the present high Price of the Necessaries of Life. Voted, that the Sum of One hundred and thirty Pounds be al- lowed and paid out of the Town Treasury unto David Jeffries Esq. for his Services as Treasurer of the Town the Year past, & for all his Expmces in that Office. Boston Town Records, 1777. 287 Voted, that the farther Sum of Seventy pounds be allov%'ed & paid out of the Treasury unto David Jeffries Esq"". [130.] In Consideration of the present high Price of the Necessaries of Life. On a Motion made, Voted, that it be left to the Gentlemen, the Selectmen, to make such an Addition to M'". Cooper's Allowance as Town Clerk, in Consideration of the high Price of Provisions, as they shall judge to be a suitable Living. The Town having brought in their Votes for four Wardens, upon sorting them it appeared, that Capt William Bell M--. William Crafts M"^. Samuel Ruggles M^ Daniel Bell were chosen Wardens for the Year ensuing. Then the Meeting was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duely qualified and legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall, on Monday the 7"'. day of July, Anno Domini 1777. Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - - read. Voted, to come to the Choice of a Moderator by a Hand Vote M''. Jonathan Mason was accoi'dingly chosen Moderator of this Meeting. The Article in the Warrant, Viz'. " To consider whether any Alteration shall be made with respect to the Collectors Premiums & Bonds" — was read — Whereupon the Question was put — " Whether any Alterations shall be made with respect to said Bonds and Premiums — Passed in the Negative. [131.] The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Collector of Taxes in the Room of M"'. Oliver Grecnleafif who has declined serving, & upon the Votes being brought in & sorted, it appeared, that Francis Shaw Esq. was chosen a Collector of Taxes for the Year ensuing. The Article in the Warrant, Viz'. "To consider of the Request of the Schoolmasters, that Ushers may be allowed them in Con- sideration of the great Encrease of Schollars — was read — where- upon — Voted, That the Gentlemen the Selectmen be and hereby are directed to appoint Ushers for One, or all the Schools if they shall apprehend that Assistance is wanted. The Article in the Warrant, Viz'. " To consider what is proper to be done, relative to impounding Horses that may be found going at large on the Common Lands ; — was read — whereupon, Voted, that the Hayward be directed to do his Duty with respect to the impounding Horses &g as the Law points out the same. The Article in the Warrant Viz. "To consider what Measures shall be taken relative to weighing Hay — and the allowance to be made the Hay -Weigher — was read — whereupon 288 City Document No. 91. Voted, that this Matter be left to the Gentlemen the Selectmen, for them to act therein, as they shall judge proper. The Article in the warrant Viz. "■ To consider whether any far- ther Steps slmll be taken for Collecting the Accounts from the Inhabitants of the Losses sustained by the ministerial Troops — was read — whereupon Voted, that the Chairman of the Committee for the several Wards for collecting an Account of the Damages sustain'd by the British Troops &c. since the Boston Port Bill, be desired to call immediately upon the Inhabitants in their respective Ward. [133.] For an Account of said Damages, agreable to the Hand Bills lately published & deliver' d them ; & that said Comittee report to the Gentlemen the Selectmen their doings therein as soon as may be that the same may be laid before the Town — also Voted, that the Selectmen, agreable to a former Vote, be de- sired to fill up said Committees in Case of the Absence or Sick- ness of any of them. On a Motion made. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Wednesday next, being the 9"\ of July 3 'Clock P. M. And the Meeting was accordingly adjourned. Wednesday July 9"^. 3'Clock P. M. Met according to adjournment. On a Motion made, Voted, that Joseph Greenleaff & Henry Jackson Esq", be excused from serving on Coinittee for Collect- ing Damages sustained in Ward, N°. 6. Voted, that Mess'. Daniel Bell & Isaac Peirce be added to the Comittee of Ward N". 6, for collecting the Damages sustain'd from the Enemy by the Inhabitants of said Ward. Voted, that Mess'. John Rogers & Benjamin Richardson be added to the Committee of Ward N°. 8 — for collecting the Dama- ges sustained from the Enemy by the Inhabitants of said Ward ; in the Room of Capt John Bradford & Capt Charles Williams, who have been excused from serving. Voted, that Newmen Greenough Esq be added to the Committee of Ward N". 1. for collecting Accounts of the Damages sustained from the Enemy by the Inhabitants of said Ward, in the room of Capt Fortesque Vernon, who declines serving. Voted that the thanks of the Town be given to M'. Jonathan Mason for his Services, as Moderator of this Meeting. Voted, that tliis Meeting be dissolved. And the Meeting was accordingly dissolved [133.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duly qualified & legally warned in public Town IVIeeting assembled, at Faneuil Hall, on Wednesday the 23'^. Day of July Anno Domini 1777 Warrant for calling the Meeting — read — Boston Town Records, 1777. 289 On a Motion, made, the Question was put — Whether a Modera- tor should be chosen by a Hand Vote — Passed in the Affirma- tive Hon**^*. Thomas Gushing Esq', was chosen Moderator of this Meeting An OV>jection have been made to the proceeding on Business, on a Suggestion, that the Inhabitants h:id not been fully warned the Matter was taken up, & after some Debate the Question was put — "Whether the Town will now proceed upon Business — Passed in the Affirmative The Clause in the Warrant Viz. "To consider and determine, whether, agreable to the Proposal & Desire of a number of the Inhabitants — a Coinittee shall be appointed, & supplied with such sums of Money, as shall be tho't sufficient to procure such of the Necessaries of Life, as may serve to alleviate the Distresses of the poor Inhabitants of this Town ; or to agree & determine upon such other Measures, as may be judged necessary to answer the salutary Purpose aforesaid" — was read — Whereupon Voted that Mess\ Ellis Gray Joseph Barrel Thomas Walley Ezekiel Price Edward Payne Nath'. Appletott Thomas Crafts be a Committee, to consider this Article at large, & report at the Adjournment, what they think necessary to be done, to aleviate the present, and prevent the future Distresses of the poor Inhabi- tants of this Town. [134.] Mess^ Thomas Tileston Sam'. Dashwood Joseph Loring were chosen Jurors for a Maritime Court, to be held at Boston the 29"'. of July next, 10 'Clock Forenoon. . Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Thursday next, 3 'Clock P. M. Thursday 3 'Clock P. M. met according to Adjournment The Committee appointed to consider the Article in the Warrant, relative to the Distress of the poor Inhabitants, — Report That a Committee be appointed to procure Subscriptions from such Persons as are willing to lend the Town, without Interest, a Sum not exceeding £8000 - - to be paid into the hands of the Town Treasurer, to be appropriated to the Purchase of such Articles as the Inhabitants stand in need of — The Treasurer to give Receipts for the Money so lent, to be paid on Demand. Tliat a Committee of — Persons be appointed to purchase on the best Terms, such Quantities of the Necessary Articles, as they shall judge proper, not exceeding the Amount of Money so sub- scribed, & that the said Coinittee be impowered to draw upon, & shall be accountable to the Town Treasurer for the same ; and that the said Comittee be impower'd to deliver out the said Goods to such persons in each Ward, as they shall appoint, whose Busi- 290 City Document No. 91. ness it shall be to retail and the several Articles deliver'd him lo the respective Inhabitants of his Ward only, at such Price, as the Committee for purchasing shall direct, & which shall not exceed the first Purchase, & tlie Necessary Charges — And the said Com- ittee shall make such Allowance for Waste & Retail, as they shall think just — And the persons appointed to retail shall sell for ready Money only, & shall pay to the Coinittee the Money, so (& so fast as) received, after the abovesaid Allowance is deducted. [135.] And the said appointed Retailers shall set down the Names of the Persons they supply, recommending to them the ut- most Frugality in the Use of the several Articles during Scarcity. — And no Person, or Family shall receive a second Supply, 'till all the Articles first received by him or them, is by them consumed. — The Committee are also allowed to supply such Coasters as brino- Wood to Town from time to lime, with as many of the neces- sary Articles they have on Hand, as they can conveniently spare — the' Wharfinger engaging to dispose of Ihe said Wood for Cash only in small Parcels & at the Rates purchased of the Coaster, with the customary Allowance for Carting & Wharfage. The Money raised by the proposed Subscriptions, to be appro- priated & im'pioved for the purpose aforesaid only, & for so long a time as the Distresses of the people may make this Mode of Trade necessary, & the Lenders are willing to continue their Money in this public Service. And it is earnestly recommended to all persons in Trade (not- withstanding the Appointment of the aforesaid Committee) who are possess'd of the necessary Articles of Life, that they would immediately open their Stores, & sell indiscriminately to all that apply, & thereby convince their Fellow Citizens, that it is their Intention, so far as is in their power, to alleviate the Distresses of the present Day. — Which Report having been read & considered — the Question was put — " Whether the same shall be accepted? — Passed in the Afflrnmtive — Whereupon Mess\ Ellis Gray Joseph Barrel! Thomas W alley Ezekiel Price Edward Payne !Nath\ Appleton Thomas Crafts [136.] Be a Committee to procure Subscriptions agreable to the aforesaid Report — And Mess'. Peter Boyer Thomas Walley Joseph Henderson Joseph Calleuder Ebenezer Sever John Leverett Habijah Savage were appointed a Committee to purchase necessary Articles, and dispose of the same for the Relief of the poor Inhabitants, as pointed out in said Report. Boston Town Records, 1777. 291 Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be given to the hon'''®. Tliomas Gushing Esq, for his good Services, as Moderator. Then the Meeting was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duely qualified & legally warned in public Town Meeting assembled, at Faneuil Hall, Tuesday the 28"". day of Octo- ber 10 O'clock A. M. Anno Domini 1777. Warrant for Calling the Meeting — read Benjamin Kent Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting. The Town Clerk having acquainted the Town, that being just recover'd from a Fever, the stormy Weather would not permit his attending the Meeting. M^ Harbottle Dorr was chosen Town Clerk Pro Tempore The Article in the Warrant relative to the providing [137=] For the Non-Commissioned Officers & Soldiers Families, as have engaged in the Continental Service for this Town — was read and considered — Whereupon Voted, that a Coinittee be now chosen, pursuant to the Direc- tions of a Resolve of the Great & General Court or Assembly of this State, relative to making Provision for the Families of such Non commissioned Officers & Soldiers, as have engaged in the Continental Service for this Town &c Voted, that Capt John Ballard Ward N°. 2 M--. Edward Green 9 M''. Joseph Callender ------- excused M^ Joseph Hall - - - 6 M''. jS^icholas Bowes excused be a Committee for the Purpose aforesaid. Voted, that Application be made to the Several Churches & Con- gregations in this Town, that on next Lord's Day, a Contribution be made, in order to purchase the Necessaries of Life of the Families of such of the Inhabitants, as are Non-commissioned Officei'S & Privates, in the Army of the United States, & that the Monies so collected be paid into the Hands of the Committee ap- pointed pursuant to the Resolve of the General Court, to be by them disposed of for the Use aforesaid. Voted, that Ellis Gray Esq. M'". Ezekiel Price Oliver Wendell Esq. be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Tuesday next, being the 4'" of November, 1 O'Clock Forenoon. Tuesday the 4'^ of November 1777 Met according to Adjournment, 1 O'Clock Forenoon [138 o] Benjamin Kent P^sq, the Moderator, being out of Town the Inhabitants assembled proceeded to the Choice of a Moderator Pro. Tem. by a Hand Vote, when The Hon'''* James Pitts Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting Pro Temp 292 City Document No. 91. The following Letters from the Hon'''®. Viscount Demauroy Brigadier General in the French Army, was, by M''. Ezekiel Price, to whom it was directed, laid before the Town, Viz. Sir, , I beseech you to receive One Hundred Dollars for the Sol- diers Wives & for their Children — permit me, that I may as- sociate myself with your Fellow Citizens to help the poor Suf- ferers. With the Respect due to your worthy Characters', I am Gentlemen Your Obedient Servant Vise'. Demauroy Brigadier Gen^ in the French Army Boston Nov^ S^. 1777 Upon the above Letter's being read Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of this Town be given to the Hon*"'®. Viscouut Demauroy, Brigadier General in the French Army, now in this Town, for his late generous Donation for the Benefit of the Families of such of the Inhabitants, as are Soldiers in the Arm}' of the united States — and that M^ Ezekiel Price Col: Nathaniel Barber Thomas Daws Esq. be a Committee to present the same On a Motion made. Voted, that the Committee to receive Dona- tions for the Families of those Men, who have inlisted into the Continental Army, be enlarged to Twelve, & that One be chosen for each Ward. [139.] M^ Joseph Callender & M^ Nicholas Bowes having desired to be excused, they were accordingly excused from serv- ing on the Committee of Donations. The following Persons were chose, as an Addition to the Com- mittee of Donations, Viz. Mess'. John R. Sigoney Ward N°. 1. Nathaniel Hitchburne ------ 3. Gibbins Sharp -- 4. Thomas Hitchburne ------- 5. M^ Nathan Frazier 7. Benjamin Jepson ------- 8. Adam Colson --------- 10. Hermon Brimmer - - - - - - - 11. Thomas Baley 12. Voted, that M'. Ezekiel Price be desired to pay the two hun- dred Dollars, a Donation from the French General, unto the Com- mittee to receive Donations &c. A Letter from the Gentlemen the Wardens, complaining of ill Treatment from Capt, M'^Neil & his Men when in Discharge of their Duty — was read — whereupon Voted, that the Gentlemen the Selectmen, be a Comittee to wait upon the IIon'''^ the Council & make Representation of the Interruption the Wardens have received in the Execution of their Boston Town Records, 1777. 293 Duty, & to request, that those Officers may be Supported in the due Execution of their Office. On a Motion made, Voted, that the Coinittee to receive Donations be directed to make speedy Enquiry into the State of their several "Wards, & report at the Adjournment, the Circumstances of those who have gone from this Town into the Continental Army. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Fryday next the 7* instant, 3 O'Clock P.M. Fryday November the 7"^ 3 O'Clock P.M. met according to Ad- journment [140.] The Committee appointed to make Enquiry into the State of the several Wards — Reported, that there was near five hundred Persons in this Town of the Families of such as are in the Continental Army, who are in suffering Circumstances — Where- upon, — Voted, that the Committee to receive Donations be di- rected to wait upon the persons, who have the Donation Money in their Hands, & receive & distribute the same agreable to the Vote of the Town The Petition of M''. Samuel Hunt, Master of the South Gram- mar School, '' for an Addition to his present Grant on Account of the Rise of Provisions &c, & that the Town would determine on an Allowance to be made the Usher of said School, for his Services " — was read — whereupon Voted, that M^ Ezekiel Price M"". Nicholas Bowes M'. Daniel Parker be a Committee to consider what farther Allowance it may be necessary to make M''. Hunt, & the other Schoolmasters, in Con- sideration of the present high Prices of the Necessaries of Life — also Voted, that the Salary of the Usher of the South Grammar School be left to the Determination of the Selectmen A letter from the Viscount Demauroy expressing his Sense of the Honor done him by tlieir Vote of Thanks, for the small Ex- pression of his Regard to the American Soldiery, was laid before the Town. Then the Meeting was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duely qualified & legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall December the 8*'^ 1777. [141=] Warrant for Calling the Meeting — Read The Inhabitants having brought in their Votes for a Moderator ; upon sorting them it appeared, that the Hon**'^ John Hancock Esq was unanimously chosen Moderator of this Meeting The Article in the Warrant, Viz: "To consider whether Ap- plication shall be made to the General Court, to enable the Town to chuse an additional Number of Assessors for the more equitable Apportioning an^^ future Tax " — was read & considered — Where- upon 294 City Document No. 91. Voted, that a Committee be appointed to prepare a Petition to the General Assemble', That Liberty may be granted the Town for the Choice of as many more As«*essors with those already chosen, as shall make the Number of Assessors Twelve Voted, that tlie Hon''''' Sam'. Adams Esq. Benjamin Kent Esq. Hon'*'''. Thomas Cnshing Esq. M^ Ezekiel Price be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid, and to report at the Adjournment The Clause in the Warrant, viz : " To consider of the Request of the Overseers of the poor, that some effectual Method may be speedily taken for providing for the poor of the Town, during the Winter, more especially for the aged & infirm persons in the Almshouse, who are improvided with Wood & Clothing & all Kinds of provisions & other Necessaries &c — was read & con- sidered — Whereupon Voted, th:it a Comittee be appointed to draw np a true repre- seutiou of the distressed State of the poor in the Almshouse & to use their best Endeavors to procure a Subscription for the imme- diate Loan of Monies for the present Exigencies of said pooi-, not exceeding the Sum of five thousand Pounds ; for whicli Monies the Town Treasurer is impowered to give his Notes on Interest to the respective Lenders. — also [143.] Voted, that the Gentlemen, the Overseers of the poor be a Comittee for the purpose aforesaid, they taking with them Two person ; for each Ward — & to report at the Adjourn- ment of this Meeting. On a Motion made Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to the Hon'"''^ John Hancock Esq. for his generous Donation of One hundred & fifty Cord of Wood to the poor of the Town in this time of distress. On a Motion made, Voted, that the Gentlemen the Selectmen be directed to call a Meeting of the Town on Wednesday next 4 O'clock P. M. in order that Application be made to General Court for an Easement of their Taxes Voted, that David Jeffries Esq. Town Treasurer be, & he hereby is directed & impowere'd, to borrow on Interest for the Use of the Almshouse, Eight hundred pounds in Addition to the Sum he has already been impowered to borrow for that purpose, & t ) give his Notes for the same. Adjourned to Monday next, being the 15"'. day of December instant, 8 O'Clock Afternoon. Monday the 15"^. day of December 1777 3 O'Clock P. M. met according to Adjournment. The Committee appointed to consider what farther Alowances ni:iy be necessary to be mnde the Schoolmasters, on Account of the pi'esent high Prices of the necessaries of Life — Report That they have attended that Service, & are of Opinion that the present Allowances to the several Schoolmasters are not sufficient to support them, & beg leave to propose a Grant to each of them as follows — Viz'. Boston Town Eecoeds, 1777. 295 To M^ Samuel Holbrook One hundred pounds M^ Samuel Hunt - One hundred pounds ]VP. James Carter One hundred pounds M'. John Tile&ton ------ One hundred pounds M"". William Bently Fifty pounds [143.] And that the same be added to their next Draft, for their present Salaries, on the Town Treasurer. The foregoing Report having been road & Considered — the Question was put — "Whether the same shall be accepted? — Passed in the Affirmative unanimously. The Committee appointed to prepare a Petition to the General Assembly, that Liberty may be granted the Town for as many more Assessors, as, with those already chosen, shall make the Number of Assessors to be Twelve reported the following Draught To the Hon*^'". the Council & House of Representatives of the State of Massachusetts' Bay. The Petition of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston in Town Meeting legally assembled the 8* of December 1777 — Humbly sheweth. That your Petitioners, being by law impowered to make Choice of three, five, seven, or nine persons, to be Assessors of all such Rates & Taxes, as the Great & General Court or Assem))ly shall by Act, or Acts by them made, order & appoint the said Town to pay towards the public Charges of the Stnte ; Did, at a Town Meeting in the Month of March last, being the time by Law appointed, make Choice of seven persons only, for the purpose aloresaid ; which Number has heretofore been judged most con- venient. But at present, & under the particular Circumstances of this Town, your Petitioners conceive that the public Taxes would be more equally apportioned among the Inhabitants, if the Number of Assessors miglit be enlarged. Wherefore, they pray this hon**'". AssembW, that an Act, or Order may pass, whereby the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston may be impowered to make a farther Choice of five meet Persons in Addition to those already chosen, to be Assessors for the present Year ; & also to elect the Number of UVelve persons into the same Office for the future. [144.] And your Petitioners, as in Duty bound, shall ever pray. Samuel Adams p Order. The foregoing Report having been read & considered — the Question was put — " Whether the same shall be accepted? — I'assed in the Affirmative. Voted, that the foregoing Petition be signed by the Selectmen, & that the Representatives be instructed to present the same to the General Assembl};. The Committee appointed to procure Subscriptions for the Loan of Monies for the poor of the Almshouse, not exceeding the Sum of Five thousand pounds — Repoited that the}' should be alile to procure said Sum for the Use aforesaid. Voted, that David Jeffries Esq. Treasurer of this Town, be 296 City Document No. 91. directed to receive the Subscription aforesaid, & appropriate the same for the Use of the poor of the Almshouse. Theu the Meeting was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duely qualified & legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled, at Faneuil Hall, Monday the 15"^. day of December Anno Domini 1777 4 O'Clock P.M. Warrant for Calling the Meeting — read. The Hon**'*'. John Hancock Esq. chosen Moderator unanimously The Article in the Warrant Viz. " Whether Application shall be made to the Great & General Court for an Abatement on their ^ Province Tax, & that some Method may be taken for the more equal proportioning it for the future? — was read &, considered — Whereupon Voted, that the Representatives of the Town be, and hereby are instructed, to use their Influence in the General Assembly [14:5o] Of this State, that a new Valuation may be immediate!}' agreed upon for apportioning the State Tax; & that a Kesoh'e pass for the final Adjustment of the Town's Proportion of the late & future Taxes, by said Valuation. The Article in the Warrant, Viz. " To consider the Request of a Number of the Inhabitants, That the Market may be shut, or put under such Regulations, as shall be for the Good of the Town" — was read & considered — Whereupon Voted, that the Selectmen be rliiected to see that the Contract made with the Butchers, that occupy the Stalls in Faneuil Hall Market, be carried into Execution. Voted, that this Meeting be dissolved, & it was accordingly dis- solved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town cf Boston duely qualified and legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall, on Fryday the 26"*. day of December, Anno Domini 1777 — 3 O'Clock P.M. Warrant for Calling the Meeting — read Jonathan Williams Esq. chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote. The Town having been impowered by a late Resolve of the General Assembly, to choose an Additional Number of Assessors — The Inhabitants, agreable to an Artic^le in the Warrant, were desired to bring in their Votes for five more Assessors, & upon their being brought in & sorted, it appeared, that Mess^ William Frobisher John R. Sigoney Edward Green [146.] Benjamin Edes Joseph Henderson were chose Assessors for the remainder of the Year. — The Article in the Warrant, Viz: '-To consider & determine Boston Town Records, 1778. 297 what is proper to be farther done with respect to Faneuil Hall Market " — was read & considered — whereupon Voted, that it be left to the Selectmen to make such Agreement with the Butchers, who occupy the Stalls in Faneuil Hall Market, respecti!Jg the Meat that is cut up, and may be left at the Market, as they may judge proper. — Then the Meeting was dissolved. At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duely qualified and legally warned, in public Town Meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall, on the 20 Day of Jan- uary Anno Domini 1778 Warrant for calling the Meeting — read The Inhabitants were directed to bring in their votes for a Mod- erator of this Meeting, & tlie same being brought in & Sorted, it appeard, that The Hon'''^ John Hancock Esq. was chosen The Article in the Warrant relative to the Articles of Confed- eration was read The Article in the Warrant, Viz: "Whether any Steps shall be taken, for the farther Security of the Town, by enlarging the Town Watch, or otherwise" — was read, & considered Whereupon [14 7 o] Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to encrease the Number of the Town Watch to forty eight good & suitable Men, & that they be directed to patrole the Streets, from Sunsetting to 10 O'clock at Night, at which time the Watch is to be set : — And the Watchmen of the respective Watches ai'e to continue to patrole the Streets, from that Time, every Hour, giving the time of Night & Circumstances. The Article in the Warrant, Viz : "To determine on the Re- quest of the Fire Wards, That some effectual Measures may be taken to put the Enginen)en upon such a Footing, as that the several Engines may be properly attended, & taken care of, as the preservation of the Town, in case of fire, greatly depends upon it" — was read, together with the Recommendation of the Fire Wards, relative to the Encouragement which it might be proper to afford the Engine-Men — and the same being considered Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee to consider & report upon this Matter, & also what will be a sufBcient Premium for such Companies, as bring their Engines to work first upon the Fire that may break out in any Building in this Town. The Article in the Warrant relative to Confederation, together with the Articles of Confederation, & perpetual Union between the united States of America, lately formed & proposed by the Hon'''^. Congress, to the Legislative Body of this State — were distinctly read — It was then moved that this Meeting be adjourned to To-morrow Morning, 10 O'Clock, for the farther Consideration of said Articles of Confederation ; and that the Selectmen take Measures to notify the Inhabitants of the Adjournment & the 298 City Document No. 91. Business to be transacted — The Question being put — Passed in the Affirmative, & the Meeting was accordingly adjourned. [148.] Town met, according to Adjournment, January 21'. 10 O'ClocIi Ante Meridiem. The Report of the Committee appointed to consider the Article in the Warrant, relative to the Engine Companies — also the Rec- ommendion of the Fire Wards, with respect to said Companies — was read — Whereupon Voted, that the farther Consideration of this Report be referred over to the Adjournment of this Meeting The Article in the Wnrrant, Viz. " To consider & determine, whether, agreeable to the Recommendation of the General Assem- bly of this State, the Town will intrust their Representatives, to act & do, as they shall judge most for the Advantage of this & the other united States, relative to the Articles of Confederation & prepetual Union between the United States of America, lately formed & proposed by the Hon^'^. Congress, to the Legislative Body of this State" — was read — as also the Articles of Confed- eration — Whereupon the following Resolve passed unanimously. — The Articles of Confederation & perpetual Union, between the several States, now Represented in the Continental Congress, hav- ing been laid before this Town — were distinctly & repeatedly read, & maturely considered — Whereupon Resolved, as the Opinion of this Town, " That the said Articles appear to be well adapted to Cement the Union of the said States, to confirm their mutual Friendship, establish their Freedom & Independence & promote their General Welfare." — And the Representatives of the Town are hereby instructed to give their Votes in the General Assembly, that the Delegates of this State ma}- be authorized to ratify the said Articles of Confederation, in order that the same may become Conclusive. Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Fryday next, the 23''. day of January instant, 10 O'Clock, Forenoon [149,] And the Meeting was accordingly adjourned. January the 23''. 10 'Clock, met according to the Adjourn- ment. — ^ The Report of the Committee chosen to consider the Article in the Warrant, relative to Engine Men, & also the Proposal of the Fire Wards, respecting the Engine Companies — was again read — and also the Amendment proposed — After considerable Debate thereon, it was moved, & the Question accordingly put, That this Meeting be adjourned to Monday next, being the 26* Instant, 10 O'clock Before Noon, which passed in the Affirmative, and the Meeting was accordingly adjourned Monday the 26"\ Day of January, 10 'Clock A M. met accord- ing to Adjournment. The Committee appointed & report on the Article of the War- rant, relative to the Engine Companies, & the Recommendation of the Fire Wards, again Report with the Amendment Viz'. — That they have conferred with the Captains of the several Engine Com- panies, & find, That nothing short of a total Exemption from all Boston Town Records, 1778. 299 Militar}^ Duty will be sufficient to satisfy & encourage tlie Men belonging to those Companies — They would therefore propose, that Application be made to the General Court; that, in Consider- ation of the great Quantity of Stores belonging to the State & Continent, stoied in this Town, together with the valuable Build- ings, the Property of the State, the Enginemen, necessary for the Town under these Circumstances, may be deducted from the Num- ber of the Inhabitants, & not subject to raise their Pro|)Ortion of any Draughts of Men, or do any Military Duty, excepting in Cases of Alarm, when they are ready to appear & do their Duty, as the Law directs. — And as a farther Encouragement, the Committee propose, that the Premium [150.] For the Engine Company, who first bring their Engine to work first upon any Fire which shall bi"eak out in any Building in this Town, shall be advanced to Three Pounds Lawful Money. John Scollat p Order The foregoing Report having been duely considered — the Question was put — Viz: "Whether the same shall be accepted? — Passed in the Affirmative — also Voted, that a Copy of the foregoing Report & Vote thereon be taken & attested by the Town Clerk, & then delivered to each of the Gentlemen, who represent this Town in the General Assem- bly. Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be given hereby are given to the Hon'''^. John Hancock Esq'', the Moderator, for his good Services. Then the Meeting was dissolved. INDEX OF NAMES. Abbot, 19, 32, 33, 39, 6t, 111, 151, 217, 218. Adams, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 1), 20, 21,2^1, 2ii, 33 34, 37, 40, 46, 47, 48, 51, 52, 5:^ 02, 63, 65 69,78, 83, 89,90,92,93, 109, 111, 118, 120 129, 131, 136, l;i7, 141, 144, 146, 147,148 149, 150, 151, 162, 166, 167, 168, 169, 172 173, 176, 177, 178, 183, 184, 185, 186, 188 190, 191, 193, 205, 207, -^08, 211, 212, 214 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 222, 224, 226, 233 253, 260, 265, 294. 295. Affrioa, 133. Allen, 9, 41, 66, 112, 131, 153, 219. Alley, Hog, 116, 125, 128. Taddy's, 13, 23, 57, 61,157, 165, 197, 193, 199, 200, 201, 202. Alwin, 130. America, 22, 100, 102, 107, 132, 133, 139, 142, 143, 147, 191, 192, 210, 212,236,256,260, 276, 277, 298. America, British, 31. North, 174, 175. Amory, 36, 45, 74, 130, 131, 136, 151, 168,241, 282. Andrews, 6, 119, 166, 243. Appleton, 25, 72, 80, 82, 86, 93, 128, 129,130, 144, 167, 173, 183, 184, 191, 226, 231, 232, 233, 235, 243, 261, 262, 264, 270, 273, 289, 290. Archibald, 261. ( Aspinwal, 198, 200, 201. ( Aspinwall, 203. Atkin.s, 253, 279. Atkinson, 65, 73. Augsboiirg, 160. Austin, 2, 6, 36, 45, 47, 54, 55, 56, 64, 72,79, 87, 110, 12S, 131, 143, 151, 169, 182, 183, 184, 194, 195, 206, 215, 216, 217, 219, 221, 225, 226, 227, 229, 233, 234, 235, 270, 272, 275, 283. Avery, 7, 34, 72, 193, 197, 198, 207. Ayres, 112, 154, 206. Bacon, 79, 130, 167. Baker, 198, 200, 201. Balch, GO, 72. Baldwin, 112, 206. Baleston, 55. J Baley, 241, 246, 254, 275, 292. I Bayley, 9, 41, 64, 06, 67, 75, 112, 154. Ball, 198, 199, i:00, 202. Ballard, 9, 17, 41, 66, 87, 112, 116, 128, 154, 220, 229, 260, 261, 262, 264, 271, 272, 275, 284, 291. ( Banot, 218, 245, 251. ( Bannett, 242, 243. Bangs, 9, 42, 67, 113, 154, 217, 219, 220, 229, 272. Bant, 115, 128, 275. Barber, 93, 226, 233, 249, 251, 253, 268, 270, 275, 292. Barbour, 6, 44, 130, 206. Barnard, 155, 220. Barnes, 16. Barnet, 262. Barree, 10. ( Barrel, 246, 251, 257, 259, 275, 283, 289. I Barren, 254, 290. (Barret, 15, 36, 39, 64, 112, 119, 136, 206, 239, 240, 251, 260, 261, 266, '.^70. Barrett, 5, 18, 49, 79, 110, 145, 151, 152, 159, 164, 172, 217, 228,241, 254, 255,264,275. ( Bartlet, 271. } Bartlett, 246. Bass, 9, 42, 67, 74, 113, 154, 155, 206, 220, 229, 261, 271, 272, 275. Baxter, 9, 42, 67, 113, 154. Bayler, 117. Bay, Massachusetts, 192, 247, 265, 266, 295. Beard, 155. Becker, 242. Belknap, 11,241,261,284. Boll. 79, 152, 218, 230, 243, 254, 287, 288. Bennet,44, 68,114, 115, 152,218,230,232,271, 273 ( Bentley, 274,277. \ Bently, 295. Bernard, 7, 10, 16,42, 67, 103, 113, 230, 272. Bethuno, 282. Bill, 152. Billings, 152, 161. Black, 128. Blackstotie, 97. Blaisdell, 75, 113,154,272. Blake,6,44, 155, 156, 161,168,220,229,2.30,272. Blanchard, 25, 55, 130, 152, 189, 214, 244. Blin, 123. Boardmau, 37, 64, 193. Bois, 175. BoUan, 10. Boreland, 213. Boston, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 17, 18, 19, 21, 24, 26, 27, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 46, 49, 53, 54, 61, 62, 64, 72, 77, 88, 89, 90, 91, 93, 106, 108, 110, 128, 129, 131, 132, 141, 145, 146, 148, 150, 160, 162, 165, 166, 167, 168, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 179, 185, 187, 189, 195, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 205, 207, 208, 210, 212, 214, 116, 222, 223, 224, 225, 227, 233, 234, 236, 238, 239, 243, 247, 249, 250, 259, 265, 267, 289, 276, 277, 278, 280, 282, 284, 287, 288, 291, 293, 295, 296, 297. West, 224. Bound, 220. Bourn, 25, 44, 45, 58, 59, 74. Boutineau, 79. Bowdoiu, 13, 18, 21, 24, 26, 33, 46, 51, 54, 78, 130, 167, 176, 185,244, 270. Bowen, 25, 53, 54, 79, 1.30, 217, 224, 227. Bowes, 19, 241, 274, 277, 291, 292, 293. Box, 166 Boyer, 12, 46, 111, 182, 193, 206, 233, 259, 266, 290. Boylston, 11, .37, 45, 86, 130, 183, 164, 165, 173, 183, 184, 194, 19.3, 206, 247, 263, 264. Boynton, 17, 36, 93, 167, 206, 233, 244. Brackett, 206. Bradford, 15, 17, 18, 55, 64, 74, 93, 116, 117, 128, 136, 157, 168, 206, 220, 221, 222, 230, 231, 233, 254, 261, 271, 273, 288. Bradstreet, 73, 114, 117. Braiiitree, 244. Brattle, 24, 130, 167. Breck, 65, 163. j Briant, 198, 200, 202. } Bryant, 202. Brick, 9. Bridge, Draw, 119, 127. Bridge, Mill, 11, 43, 63, 114, 119, 127, 156, 221, 232, 273. 302 City Document No. 91. Bridgham, 40. Brigdon, 77. Bright, 151. Brimmer, 77, 126, 152, 206, 219, 229, 241, 244, 245, 254, 269, 271, 274, 275, 283, 292. Britain, 98,102. Broadstreet, 282. Bromtield, 168, 206, 222, 231, 232, 239, 240, 244, 251. Brookline, 198. Brown, 7, 22, 41, 69, 71, 76, 79, 116, 119, 136, 139, 150, 153, 158, 162, 179, 182, 183, 184, 183, 206, 216, 219, 225, 226, 229, 232, 233, 2.35, 240, 244, 253, 265, 268, 269, 270, 273, 274, 282, 284. Bruce, 244. Bucknam, 221. Buliinch, 9, 41, 66, 112, 154, 168, 220, 229, 272. Buller,'ll2. Buraslcad, 232. Burgess, 219. Burnet, 28. Burrell, 260. Burt, 253, 270. ( Butler. 9, 41, 66, 154, 161, 220, 230, 273. Rattier, 229,272. Byles, 25, 52, 54, 78, 130, 157, 158, 167, 281. Cabbot, 221. Calf, 166. Call, 263. Cullender, 151, 260, 290, 291, 292. Cambridge, 10, 14, 19, 208, 209, 211, 212. Cammel, 11. Cape Ann, 131. Capen, 11,281. Carnes, 25, 241,243, 275, 284. Carolina, South, 130. Carson, 130. Carter, 24, 58, 82, 140, 180, 252, 286, 295. Cartwright, 242. Cary, 65, 111,241, 282. Ca.stle, The, 3, 4. William, 4, 84, 103. Cazneau, 40, 112, 161,274. Champney, 9, 41, 66, 112, 114, 153, 155, 229, 241, 272. ( Chancey, 51. } Cliauncey, 21, 51, 52, 78, 130, 167, 172. ( Chauncy, 54, 183. Chapman, 44. Charlestown, 10, 12, 20, 179 , 187, 188, 211, 223. Cbase, 114, 117, 155, 205, 206. Checkley, 24. Cheever, 111, 165, 206, 219, 254. Cherdon, 1. Childs, 74. Christie, 260. Charch, 2, 7, 41, 47, 48, 51, 52, 63, 69, SO, 89, 90, 92, 93, 108, 109, 116, 118, 129, 136, 149, 150, 153, 161, 168, 169, 177, 183, 191, 194, 195, 196, 206, 207, 211, 215, 216, 219, 229,233, 254, 274. Old South, 52, 119, 162. Clap, 198, 200, 201,203. { Clark, 42, 67, 113, 144, 145, 146, 143, 154, { 246,253,271. ( Clarke, 145, 147. Cleverly, 218. Clough, 11, 19, 151,243. Cobb, 111, 181, 243, 261. Cobbet, 230, 273. Cobourn, 04. Coffin, 36, 126, 130,151. Cogswell, 11. Colburne, 241. College, Harvard, 27. Collin.-, 9, 41, 68, 112, 113, 153, 154, 219, 229, 272. Coleon, 154, 218, 220, 228,229,232,248,264, 272, 273, 277, 292. Common, The, 23, 24, 46, 57, 53, 71, 77, 81, 82, 118, 126, 140, 160, 180, 181, 209, 210, 252, 256, 286. Boston, 209. Concord, 222, 224. Condy, 192, 206,229, 274. Connecticut, 5, 14, 34, 35, 36, 39, 61, 62, 64, 108, 110, 179. Conway, 19. Cook, 131, 220, 230, 272. Coolidge,112. Cooper, 1, 5, 6, 9, 25, 37, 39, 40, 47, .51, 53, 54, 64, 65, 79, 87, 110, 111, 129, 130, 136, 150, 151, 158, 167, 172, 173, 177, 198, 201, 203. 207, 215, 216, 217, 226, 227, 228, 233, 235, 244,269,271,287. Copeland, 52, 161, 246, 260. S Copely, 111. ) Coplv, 1, 126. Cornhill, 158, 169. Cotta, 9, 42, 67, 113, 154, 220, 230, 272. Cotton, 155. » County of Suffolk, 198, 200. County Watch, 8. < Coverlcy, 68, 114, 230. / Coverly, 152, 218, 230, 271. Cowell, to, 42, 52, 67, 113, 154, 220, 230, 272. Crafts, 9, 14,42, 66, 113, 151, 154, 182, 183, 184, 185, 205,218, 220, 228,229,233,253,254, 271, 274, 278, 279, 281, 283, 2s7, 289, 290. Creek, The Mill, 127. Creque, 79. Crosswell, 54. Cudworth, 261, 277. Cumber, 161. Cumraings, 16. Cunningham, 25, 36. Curtis, 10, 42, 43, 67, 168,181, 261. Cushlng, 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 14, 19, 21, 22, 26, 32, 34, 37, 39, ji 53, 54, 63, 69, 78, 83, 90, 109; 129, 131, 150, 159, l^,iik,iii 178, TSS, 184, 190, 191, 198, 200, 205,211, 226, 227, 232, 233, 235, 239, 269, 277, 2*0, 289, 291, 294. Dabney, 75. Daltou, 158, 264. Dalrymple, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 15. Dana, 14, 19, 20, 2J, 23, 34, 35, 36, 39, 44:, 46, 47, 48, 52, 62, 63, 72. Danforth,281. Dashwood, 15, 18, 241, 243, 279, 284, 289. Davis, 25, 36, 40, 14, 93, 115, 128, 136, 151, 157, 168, 198, 200, 201, 203, 206, 213, 218, 222, 228, 233,235, 244, 261, 262, 264, 271, 275, 281, 284. f Dawes, 117. Daws, 6, 9, 11, 13, 22, 37, 40, 42, 45, 47, 56, 58, 59, 00, 65, 71, 72, 74, 113, 119, 130, 1.36, 141, 151, 157, 168, 182, 221, 222, 241, 242,244, 249,251, 253, 254, 256,257, 266, 273, 275, 278, 292. Debany, 68. Deberdt, 10. Delaware, 263. Demauroy, 292, 293. Demming, 79. Dennie, 13, 37, 80, 86, 93, 109, 130, 168, 173, 233, 244. Deshon, 7, 41. Doane, 263. Dock, The, 35, 37, 38, 71, 74, 158, 189, 192, 197, 212, 213, 222. Town, 35, 37, 38, 68, 158, 189, 208. Dodge, 201,202. ( Dogget, 79, 254. } Doggett, 151. Dolbear, 6, 39, 64, 110, 151, 213, 217, 227, 274. Doll, 181, Dommet, 40. Dorchester, 179, 198, 200. Dorr, 11, 17, 217, 228, 241, 244, 251, 265, 268, 270, 291. Dow, 66, 67. Index of Names. 303 Downe, 22, 69, 116, 153, 219, 229, 274. Drown, 37. Dumaresque, 36, 115, 128. Dupee, 6, 44, 6S, 114, 161. Durant, 126. Dyer, 9, 42, 66, 67, 113, 154. Eaton, 43. Edfs, 42, 67, 113, 154, 220, 229, 243, 246, 277, 296. Edmunds, 9, 41, 66, 112, 153. Edwards, 158, 166, 277, 281. Eliot, 25, -10, 54, 65, 78, 130, 150, 167, 269. Ellis, 10, 42, 67, 113, 154. Emmons, 13, 23, 53, 54, 57, 61, 157, 198, 200, 20 1 , 202. End, North, 24, 57, 58, 81, 82, 140. Soutb, 188. England, 15, 17, 18, 29, 34, 47, 91, 97, 98, 102, 105, 132, 148. ( Ervin, 167. I Ervintf, 24, 54, 78, 130, 134, 168, 282. Europe, 160. Eustis, 55, 253, 254. Eyres, 9, 41, 66. (Fallas,261. i Fallass, 12, 19, 274, 277, 284. Fairfield, 7, 3^1. Fancuil, 36, 144, 145, 146, 148. Farnuin, 220, 230, 272. Faxon, 168. Fayei-wcather, 35, 214. Fellons, 244. Fellows, 254, 270, 271, 279. Felton, 198, 2U0, 201,233. Fenno, 12, 43, 70, 115, 118, 141, 156, 170, 171. Fenton, 168. Ferry, Charlestowa, 193. Finch, 29. Fitch, 13, 55, 79. Flatts, Town's, 157. Fleet, 243, 254, 275. Fletcher, 36, 198, 199, 200, 202. Flood, 75, 113, 165, 220, 229, 230, 272. Flucker, 24, 78. Ford,220, 229, 272. Fortifleation, The, 44, 51, 79, 165, 168, 169. Foster, 7, 43, 67, 206, 217, 244, 263, 274. Fowlc, 40. Foye, 68, 114, 218, 230, 271. Fraiildyn, 10. Fratlini,'ham, 179. Frazicr, 65, 292. Freeman, 217, 228, 273. Frobisher, 36, 260, 296. Fullerton, 114, 155. Gage, 207, 209, 221, 278. Gale, 65. < Gardener, 203. J Gardiner, 70. i Gardner, 9, 17, 18, 34, 36, 139, 197, 198, 200, t 201, 222, 2.35. Gay, 11, 40, 43, 65, 68, 111, 114, 130, 151, 156. Geducy, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 260. Gecr, 40. Germany, 160. Gidney, 232, 241, 274. Gill, 6, 9, 22, 79, 131, 168, 206. Godney, 199. Goldthwait, 2, 11, 21, 25, 37, 45, 48, 54, 74, 77, 119, 127, 131, 136, 137, 155, 156, 158, 163, 165, 167, 169, 170, 189, 192, 214, 222. Gooch, 275, 277. Gooding, 19. Goodwin, 167. ( Gorden, 79. f Gordon, 167. Gore, 5,3.t, 40, 64,111,151. Granary, The, 11, 12, 43, 68, 70, 114, 115, 156, 169, 170, 171,221, 231, 273. Grant, 36, 40, 206, 229, 241, 253, 270, 275. Graves, 221. Gray, 7, 10, 11, 13, 43, 45, 54, 55, 61, 05, 67, 68, 72, 74, 78, 79, 80, 112, 118, 119, 130, 136, 153, 219,228,2.39,241, 242, 247, 24w, 254, 2.i8, 266, 269, 270, 273, 274, 278, 282, 284, 289, 290, 291. f Greanleaf, 75, 152, 182. I Greanleafr, 1, 2, 5, 8, 34, 39, 44, 47, 64, 68, 75, 77, 80, 86, 93, 110, 114, 118, 125, 129, j 131. ] Greenle,af, 151, 168, 183, 186, 191, 206, 207, 217, 218, 222, 230, 232, 233, 235, 244. Greenleaff, 51,236, 239, 240, 242, 247, 254, [ 260, 264, 271, 277, 281, 287, 288. Greaton, 198, 200, 201, 203. Green, 36, 45, 49, 55, 73,79, 126, 151, 161, 220, 221,229, 232, 261,262,264,272, 273, 282, 291 296. Great Britain, 16, 20, 34, 50, 83, 84, 89, 97, 98, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 124, 132, 133, 174, 183, 235, 237. fGreenough, 55, 184, 206, 219, 220, 228, 240, J 253, 270, 271, 274, 288. 1 Grenough, 6, 9, 40, 41, 65, 66, 111, 112, 136, t 151, 153. Greenwood, 19, 79. Grey, 24. Gridley, 77. Gunter, 81. ( Hail, 6, 44, 68, 114, 152, 218, 246. i Hale, 8. Hains, 263. Hail, 217, 228, 254, 260, 275, 291. Hall, Faueuil, 1, 2, 5, 17, 19, 21, 32, 34, 35, .36, 48, 53, 61, 62, 61. 77, 88, 89, 91, 93, 108, 110, 128, 141, 145, 146, 147, 148, 150, 162, 166, 172, 178, 185, 190, 196, 205, 207, 2il8, 212, 214, 216, 222, 223, 224, 259, 266, 267, 269, 277, 230, 282, 287, 288, 291, 293, 296, 297. Hallowell, 80, 82, 83. Hamlin, 272. I Hammatt, 114, 152. ( Hammett, 68, 127, 152, 218, 229. Hancock, 2, 3,5, 6, 8,10, 13, 15, 21, 26, 34,35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 47, 48, 51, 52, !J3, 62, 63, 64, 65, 71, 72, 75, 77, 78, 83, ^7, 88, 93, 94, 108, 109, 110, 111, 127, 123, 129, 131, 141, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 162, 165, 166, 163, 183, 185, 190, 191, 194, 195, 198, 205, 206, 211, 215, 216, 217, 218, 220, 226, 227, 228, 229, 233, 271, 272, 282, 284, 293, 294, 296, 297. 299. Harris, 33, 41, 69 116, 153, 219, 229, 241, 260, 272, 274. Harrod, 11. Harskins, 9, 42, 67, 113. Hart, 253. Hartwick, 159, 164, 169, 171. Haskins, 154. Hatch, 200, 241, 278. Hatfleld, 16. Havard, 200. Havtlen, 42, 67, 113. Hayward, 203. Heath, 179, 253. Helyer, 271. Henderson, 41, 68, 118, 153, 258, 290, 296. Henley, 161. Henry, 198, 200, 202. Heusiiaw, 2, 3, 5, 8, 19, 21, 22, 33, 39, 45, 48, 78, 182, 183, 184, 185. ( Hewes, 241, 245, 264, 270. I Hews, 71, 76, 111. Hill, 6, 7, 12, 14, 17, 36, 40, 44, 45, 58, 59, 60, 65, 72, 77, 80, 87, 93, 110, 111, 116, 117, 128, 150, 155, 156, 157, 159, 165, 168, 170, 182, 183, 284, 185, 197, 198, 221, 236, 245, 246. Hill, Beacon, 72, 80, 90, 91, 125, 172, 179, 196. Hill, Fort, 171. Hillsburrough, 84. Hitchburne, 232, 233, 235, 236, 239, 241, 249, 253, 254, 288, 269, 270, 2^2. J04 City Document No. 91. Hobby, 201,202. Hods^ias, 261. HoJgdiu,230. n»di,' ou, 2 10. Hdlbroke, 57. H^^lbiook, 23, 81, 118, 134, 140, 141, 172, 180, 181, 252,286,295. Holland, 11, 41, 60, 112, 154, 220, 229, 272. Hollyday, 7, 41, 68, 69, 118, 153, 258. I Holmes, 17, 66, 113. / Homes. 6, 1), 13, 42, 47, 63, 154. Homer, 52, 136, 168, 254. Honeywell, 254. Hood, 25. Hooton, 2J7. Hopkins, 111, 161, 206, 22S, 232, 253. House, Alms, 11, 12, 25, 45, 46, 56, 69, 71, 74, 116, 117, 157, 101, 214, 222, 251, 257, 294, 295, 296. Byles's Meeting, 224. Custom, 50, 94. Old Brick Meeting, 76, 227, 230, 233, 234, 239, 247, 249, 250, 265, 267, 268. Old South Meeting, 62, 71, 109, 149, 177, 215. New Souliiern "Watch, 51. Powder, 44. Province, 147, 277. Sewall's Meeting, 3, 62. State, 257. Town, 14, 129, 166, 282. "Watertown Meeting, 226. Work, "71. ( How, 167, 179. / Howe, 257. Howard, 9, 25, 45, 54, 66, 112, 130, 154, 167, 198, 201, 219,229, 241, 272. Hubbard, 24, 54, 70, 78, 79, 86, 115, 128, 130, 136, l.Og, 273,281. Hudson, 179, 196,254. Hughes, 65. Hunt., 23, 40, 48, 57, 64, 79, 81, 130, 140, 158, 167, 180, 252, 286, 293, 295. Hnntc-r, 224. Hutchinson, 79, 90, 92, 136, 144, 145, 146, 148, 281. Inches, 2, 5, 39, 48, 52, 63, 71, 72, 75, 112, 119, 128, 130, 143, 167, 173, 183, 184, 254,257, 277, 278. Indies, West, 174. Ingersol, 254. lugraham, 1.52, 229. Ireland, 46, 50, 98. Irving, 36, 130. Island, Cnstle, 15, 16,21. Island, Noddle.'!, 278. Island, Rhode, 5, 14, 17, 34, 35, 36, 39, 61, 62, 04, 108, 110, 133, 174. Ivors, 25, 206, 243. Jackson, 2, 5, 7, 11, 15, 16, 21, 36, 37, 39, 43, 48, 53, 61, 63. 61, 68,73, 114, 130, 1-36, 156, 158, 167, 172, 198, 200, 202, 214, 221, 231, 244, 245, 254, 269, 2Si, 288. Jarvls, 118, 120, 183, 206, 235, 242. Javl, Connty, 8. Jeffries, 6, 1 1 , 24, 25, 39, 40, 45, 56, 58, 63, 65, 74, 8-', 87, 111, 117, 131, 134, 141, 152, 157, 161, 162, 171, 179, 181, 183, 184, 185, 218, 226, 228, 231, 235, 236, 273, 282, 284, 286, 287, 294, 295. Jenkins, 9, 25. 42, 67, 113, 154, 241. Jeuning.f, 11, 243. Jepson, 200, 26:!, 292. Johnson, 156, 206, 219, 244. Johonnot, 25. 110, 128. Jones, 36, 40, 79, 152. j Joy, 9, 42, 66, 113, 130, 154, 158. / Joye, 152. Kast, 282. Kemble, 19. Kent, 22, 44, 47, 48, 49, 72, 117, 118, 126, 155, 157, 158, 160, 168, 169, 191, ^39, 247, 248, 249,261,262, 264,266, 267, 275, 277, 28u, 283, 291, 294. Kilson, 1. Kimble, 151, 260. Kueeland, 7, 41, 69, 112, 116, 254. Knox, 9, 42, 65, 67, 113, 154, 232. I-arabert, 220, 229, 240, 253, 271, 272, 277. Lane, Cold, 164. I^everet's, 45. Long, 45. Langdon,65, 114, 155. Latlirop, 166, 167. Laughtcm, 7, 11, 79, 108. Leach, 136, 167. Leonard, 11, 43, 68,114, 156,171,221,231,273. f Leveret, 5, 39, 43, 64, 68, 111, 114, 156, 172, 217,221,227,231. Leverctt, 151, 251, 290. Leverit, 130. Lewis, 36. Liddle, 55. Lillie, 16. Lloyd, 79, 161,281. Lock, 95, 96. London, 15, 18, 142, 163, 164, 165. Loring, 117, 155, 243, 289. Lothrop, 25, 130. Love, 112. ( Lovel,23, 48, 49,.51, 52, 57, 58, 81, 82, 110, I 140, 155, 169, 180. ( Lovell, 23. Low, 9, 42, 66, 113, 154. Lowder, 36, 153, 182, 219, 229,261, 274. Lowell, 17, 36, 254, 275. Lucas, 10, 11, 42, 43, 46, 67, 68, 73, 113, 114, 155, 156,221,231,254,273. Ludson, 130. Lu.sh, 281. Lyde, 25, 130. ( Mackay, 93, 116, 128, 168, 182, 183, 184, 226. I Makay, 233, 254, 270. Mairazine, The, 209. Mall, The, 126. Manwarreu, 50. Marblebead, 173, 174, 256. Market, Faneuil Hall, 35, 213, 265,296, 297. Marlburrough, 16. Marshall, 6,''25, 39, 40,46, 64, 65, 90, 92, 109, 110,111, 131,147,150, 151, 158, 108, 169, 179, 193, 194, 195, 198, 205, 216, 217, 227, 228. Marston, 206, 245, 278. Martin, J3, 68,253, 274. Mason, 2, 5, 6, 21, 39, 48, 71, 75, 119, 130, 143, 172, 183, 184, 185, 193, 206, 218, 227, 242, 249, 250, 260, 265, 266, 270, 280, 282, 287, Masters, 9, 42, 67, 113, 154, 220, 230, 272. Mather, 2.-i, 39, 54, 79, 128, 130, 167, 183, 190, 2.34, 282. Matchet, 244. Matthews, 79. May, 181, 182, 193, 241, 243, 244, 246. McL'lano, 166. McFadden, 114, 155, 220, 230, 272. Mclntyre, 36. McM asters, 16. McNeil, 151, 292. Mears, 198, 200, 201,203. Medlbrd,223. Mein, 16. Mclvil, 152. Mcrriam, 202. Merrit, 43, 67. MeiiUn, 161. Middlesex, 209. Miller, 159. Mills, The Grist, 49. Milton, 144, 145, 146, 175. Miasling, 167. Index of Names. 305 {Mollineaux, 93. Moilinoux, 2, 3, 8, 15, 16', IS, 21, 34, 54, 63, 70, 72, 73,80, 109, ISl, 139, 144, 149, 168, 173, 177, 183, 224, 242, 274. Monk, 160, 157, 215, 216, 269. Worehead, 54. Morgan, '^20, 230. Morion, 233, 235, 236, 239, 270, 283. Nazro,40, 1.52,218. Neck, Boston, 138, 171, 189, 193. Dorchester, 181. The, 79, 86, 87, 138, 171, 210, 211, 256. New Boston, 118. Newell, 42, 75, 90, 92, 110, 119, 129, 131, 150, 1-55, 166, 1K8, 169, 194, 195, 138, 213, 217, 227, 231, 243, 254, 273, 284. New Enarland, 19, '75,247. New Hampshire, 5. 14, 17, 34, 35, 36, 39, 61, 62, 64, 105, 108, 110. Newman, 202. Newton, 79. New York, 3, 103, 106. Nicliola,9, 41,66, 112, 153. Noland, 9, 42, 67, 113, 154. Norwood, 281. Nova Scotia, 130. Nowell, 10, 67, 113. Noyes, 7, 41, 44, 64, 198, 207, 261. }, 72, 116, 168, 197, Oliver, 19, 54, 70, 139, 187. f Otis, 22, 24, 53, 61, 90, 92, 93, 109, 110, 118, ea., sh., 213. Ruddock, John, 1., 258. Runk, ,h., 224. Russell, Joseph, 1., and h., 117, 120. Scott, William, 1., 201, 202. Simpkins, William, 1., 201, 202. Sherburne, Joseph, 1., 198, 201. Sherburne, , 1., 76. Simpson, , sh., 213. Stodder, or Stoddard, Asa, 1., 198, 200. Tyler, Joseph, sh., .35. Tyler, Meriam {heirs of), 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203. Tyler, Thomas {late), h., 213. Lanes, see Streets, Ways, etc. Laws, 101, 121, 122, 129, 132. for regulating choice of jurors, 35-6. to enforce, 171, 195, 224. for regulating scavengers, 155. to prevent concealiug, and the spread of infectious diseases, 224. concerning monoplies, 265. (See also Orders, town.) Leather, sealers of, 9, 42, 67, 113, 154, 220, 229, 272. Letters, 178. from Lieut. Gov. to Selectmen, 3. ^,r-Gov. Powuall to town, 7. Sheriff Qreenleai, 8. to Selectmen, 7, 8. from town of Cambridge, 14. from England relative to the Massa- cre of 6th of March, 34. 312 City Document No. 91. Letters, to England, concerning the Massa- cre, 31, from Uon. Joshua Henshaw, 44-5. Dr. Lucas, 43. to other Towns, 94, 106-108, 123, 125, 143, 136, 263. Lock's Letters on Toleration, refer- circular letter, 123, 173, 1T4, 175, 177. letter from tea merchants, 145, 143, 143. Thos. Hutchinson, jr., 146. Marblehead, 173. Mr. James Bois of Mil- ton, 175. to other Provinces, 175, 176. to Gen. Gage from lion. Payson Randolph, 207,203, 210-11. from lion. Kiscoioii Demauroy, 292, 233. Leverett's lane, 45. Libel, cases of, 47, 49, 73, 113, 120-6. Licence, sale of liquors by persons not hav- ing, to prevent, 17, 19. renewal of, 1 15. tax on, 116, 123. Linen Manufactory Company, 70. loan to, from town, 131. ( See also Societies, Corporations.) clerk of, 131. books of, to examine, 131, 138., summary concei-ning, 138-9. Liquors, supply of, by unlicensed persons, to prevent, 17, 13. license, payment for, 115. losses, 2-j7. monopoly of, 232. Loan certificates, 235. Loans, 12, 131. Lock's Letters on Toleration, 96. London, 15, IS, 142, 163, 164, 165. Long lane, 45. Lord's Day, the, 291. Lotteries, 69. Manufactures, home, 12, 13, 20. Manufactory Company, 59. {See also Societies, Corporations.) Mamifactures, to promote, see Societies. Marblehead, 173, 174, 256. Market, provisions brought to, 15S, 212-13. forestalling the, 236, 254. Faaeuil Hall, 35, 213, 237. stalls in, 265, 296. weights, etc., in the, 253. regulating the, 298. clerks of the, 7, 40, 65, 73, 112, 127, 131,152, 156, 159, 192, 219, 221, 224, 228-9, 242, 274. Maritime Court, see Court. Mason, 81. {See alno Trades.) Massachusetts Bay, Province of, 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 22, 27, 31, 32, 37, 39, 45, 61, 62, 83, 84, 83, 89, 90, 91, 93, 94, 95, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 110, 116, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 139, 141, 153, 173, 170, 177, 185, 186, 187, 191, 192, 194, 195, 198, 209, 219, 231. State of, 247, 266, 267, 278, 280, 281, 295,297,298, 299. Massacioin King street, 1, 4, 10, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, .34, 46, 47, 48, 49, 51, .52, 148, 149, 150, 1.57. monument to erecton site of, 14. memorial or draft concerning, 15, 16, 20, 22-30. Massacre, dispatches to send to England, concerning. 15, 17, 18, 20. oration to commemorate, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 6i, 63, 87, 108, 103, 110, 214, 216, 225, 226, 263, 289. subscription for sufferer injured during the, 215, 216. Medford, 22 5. Meeting-houses, Ilollis street {3Ir. Byles), 224. Dr. Sewall's (Old South?), 3. Old Brick, 76, 227, 230, 234, 239, 219, 250, 265, 237, 268. Old South, 52, 62, 71, 109, 119, 149, 177, 215. subscriptions solicited for a meeting-house for Ger- mans, 159-60. response, 164. in Watertown, 226, 234. i-epairs of, used as bar- racks, 256. coutributions to be levied in, 291. Merchants, 15, 16, 143, 144, 145, 163, 262, 263, 235. action of, concerning importa- tion of foreign goods, 16, 42. names of those opposing decis- ion against importation to pre- serve, 16. replies, 34. Middlesex, 209. Middle street, 53, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202. Military, 1, 133, 245, duty, 299. Militia, 133, 241, 212, 244, 246, 266, 278, 279. Milk street, passage leading from, to im- prove, 61, 80, 82. land at bottom of, 159. Mill hridge, see Bridge, pond, 14. town's land near the, 14. Mills, 11, 104, 171. new, 43, 63, 114, 158, 221, 231, 273. grist, 49, 171. slitting, 175. Milton, 14^145, 175. slitting mills at, 175. Molasses, 262. Monopolies, to prevent, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 275, 276. Act concerning, see Act. to repeal, see Act. Muskets, see Arms and Ammunition. Muster-day, 245. delinquents on, for subscription towards a bounty, 244, 245. Navies, 101, 175. Navy, officers of the, 130, 221. British, 235, 256. conduct of subalterns, record of, to keep, 221. Neck, the, 87, 189, 193, 210. 211. town's land at, 79-80, 86, 87, 138. repairs at, 138. firing of small arms, 171. incumbrances on, to remove, 171. brickyard at, 189. Negroes, deaths of, from small-pox, 246. {See also Diseases, infectious.) New Boston, 118. {See also West End.) Newbury street, 126. New England, 175, 247. New Hampshire, 5, 14, 17, 34, 35, 36, 39, 61, 62, 64, 105, 108, 110. Newspapers, 26, 47, 56, 87, 125, 141, 211, 264, 276, 286. {See also the fol- lowmff) : — Tradesmen's Protest, 142, 145. New York, 3, 106. Index to Subjects. 313 Noddle's Island, 278. {See also Islands.) Nou-Importation of Tea, etc., 8, 12, 13. merchants for and against, IG. veto of thanks to supporters of, la. of British man u f a c t- ures, 176. North End, 24, 140. grist mills at, 49. {See also Mills.) Northern or Canada Department, 244. Notes, negotiable, 12, 46. Nova Scotia, 130. Old Brick meeting-house, 76, 227, 230, 233, 234, 239, 247, 249, 250, 265, 268. clock on, 76. {See a /-vo Meet- ing-houses.) Old South Church, 52, 62, 103, 14.), 177. clock of, 71, 119, 215. {See also Meeting- houses.) Orations commemorative of the Boston Mas- sacre, 48, 49, 51, 52, 62, 63, 87, lOS, 109, 110, 148, 149, 150, 214, 215, 216, 225, 226, 26S, 269. Orders, town, concerning scavengers, 11, 43, 155. breaking into stoies, houses, etc., 20. relating to street refuse, 76. concerning infectious dis- eases, 224. forestalling of wood, etc., 249. monopolies, 235. Ordnance, 209, 210, 228, 257. Paddy's alley, 13, 23, 57, 61, 157, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201. Papers and Pamphlets, 46, 49-50, 04. concerning the rights, etc., of colonists, 94-90. infringements, 99- 103. Parliament of Great Britain, 85, 97, 99, 101, 102, 105, 121, 124, 139, 142, 143, 173, 175, 176, 185, 186, 194, 209, 237. House of Lords, 26, 99. Commons, 89, 99. Journals of the, 26. {See also Great Britain.) Pauperism, to prevent, 160. Perambulations or Surveys : — bounds of Hog alley, 126. Sea street, 137. plan of all lands belonging to town, 171. bounds of land in Ann, Middle streets, and Pad- dy's alley, 197, 198, 200, 201. proposed line of a passage in Dock square, 213. Persons suspected of being inimical to the American States, to guard against, 275, 276, 279, 281. narai's of such, to obtain and pub- lish in tha papers, 270, 230. to apprehend and oonflue, 231. Persons, list of names given, 281-2. to try by Court, 234. Philadelphia, 143. Plague, 27. {See aho Disease, infectious.) Plate, 256. Pleasant street, 76, 134. Plymouth, 255. Poll tax, see Taxes. Poor, the, 250, 251. appropriation for the, 11, 26, 54, 56,60, 74, 80, 87, 135, 157, 175, 177, 214, 221, 225, 231, 250,258, 273, 276, 239. employed in spinning wool, 71, 73. employment of the,l78, 181, 186, 187, 193. subscriptions for, to solicit, 289, 294, 295, 296. Poor, Overseers of the, 5, 25, 25, 32, 33, 39, 47, 48, 49, 54, 56, 57, 61, 04, 70, 7.S, 110, 111,130, 135, 151, 161, 177,181- 2, 184, 192, 214, 217, 218, 221, 222, 227, 240, 2-51, 255, 257, 258, 259, 266, 270, 273, 274, 294. accounts of, to au- dit, 11,45, 74,117, 157, 221, 2.31. loan for use of, 12, 46, 116, 157, 221, 231. of town of Medford, 223. Port Bill, see Bills. Ports, havens, etc., 104. Pound, the, 241. horses at large, to be placed in, 287. Powder, see Arms and Ammunition, house, 44. to remove, 44. seizure of, at Cambridge, 209. supply of, 245. Printing, advertising in the prints, 47, 76, 87, 109, 276, 236. of account of the Massacre in King street, 34. of depositions, etc., 20. prints, public, see Newspapers, paper relative to 3Ir. William Mol- lineux, 73. hand-bills, 4, 142. of oration on the Massacre in King street. Mar. 5, 1770, 216, 226, 269. Prisoners, 279. Providence, 278. Province, the, see Massachusetts Bay, Prov- vince of. House, 147, 277. laws, 19, 121, 122, 123, 195. tax, see Taxes, treasurer, 45. Charter, 85, 91, 92, 97, 106, 132, 192. Provincial Congress, the, 190, 191, 192, 208, 211, 214, 222. delegates to, choice of, 203, 211. Provisions, 158, 212-13, 256, 261, 232, 263, 293, 294. forestalling of, 249, 252, 265. high price of, 2S7. Pumps to be used in case of fire, 127. {See also Dock, the.) Queen street, 23, 24, 25, 55, 57, 79, 81, 82, 117, 120, 140, 252, 286. Quit-rents, 74, 80, 99. Rates, 83, 87, 102, 103, 132, 135, 141, 196, 2-59, 274, 293, 294, 295, 298. abatements of, 12, 46, 56, 59, 70, 87, 118, 135, 153, 161, 219, 257, 259, 274. 314 City Document No. 91. Rates, collectors of, 6, 7, 40, 41, 45, 59, 60, 61, 65, 66, 63, 69, 70, 73, 112, 117, 118, 120, 135, 152, 153, 161, 190, 196, 218, 222, 225, 228, 257, 258, 271, 274, 276, 277, 287. premiums, 7, 41, 45, 59- 60, 66, 117, 152-3, 222, 2^5, 276, 287. Records, 4, 12, 25, 27, 43. 55-6, 70, 87, 115, 125, 135, 137, 15o, 161, 175, 200, 258, 281. merchants' names entered on, 16. Reformation of Manners, to promote, 231, 243. Refugees, names of, to ascertain, 276-7. Register, (.lounty, 39, 44, 232. lieuts, records of lands, etc., 25, 56, 87, 135, 159, 161, 257. quit, see Quit-rents, of dwellings, etc., for barracks, 257. Reports of Committees, 4, 8, 12, 15, 20, 25-6, 43, 48, 43, 51, 55-7, 60, 69, 74, 77, 79, 80, 86, 88, 90, 103, 115, 120, 121-26, 127, 134- 5, ]37, 133, 139, 156, 161, 175, 181, 208, 260-61, 233, 277, 295, 299. Representatives, 21, 22, 26, 32, 54, 78, 88, 92, 99, 101, 116, 123, 130, 136, 141, 191, 236, 242, 279,286, 235, 298, 298. choice of, 21, 33, 53, 78, 80, 129, 190, 233, 234-5, 247, 282, 283. House of, 4, 85, 121, 124, 125, 141, 186, 192, 209, 235, 245, 248, 284. records of the, 4. Chamber, 8, 230-31, 240. instructions, for the, 23-32, 80, 83-80, 83, 131-36, 141, 191, 235-38, 233, 28 i-6. grant for payment of Agents serving, 85. Revenue Acts, see Act. Rewards, etc., 2. Rhode Island, 5, 14, 17, 34, 35, 36,39, 61, 62, 64, 103, 110, 133, 174. Riots, see Massacre in King street. Rivers, etc., 104. and capes of Delaware, 263. Rome, 31. Roxbury, 10, 179, 198, 200. Royal Exchange, the, 224. {See also Tav- erns.) Rum, 262. Rye, see Breadstuffs. Salaries or allowances, 46, 56, 69, 106, 118, 133, 140-41, 156, 172, 179, 222, 232, 238, 274, 235, 233, 235. to send Gapt. Dashwood to Eng- land with dispatches, 15. of school-masters, 12, 23, 46, 54, 57-8, 69-70, 81, 82, 118, 140-41, 156, 172, 180, 181, 222, 232, 252, 259, 274, -286, 293, 294. of the Judges of the Superior Court, 88, 88, 89, 91, 1U6, 121, 122. allowances for: — Mr. David Jeffries, 24, 58, 141, 171, 181, 280-7. Benj.Fenno, 43, 70. John Green, 49. Edward HoUyday, 69. Abraham Savage, 69. Samuel Hunt, 158. William Scott, 202. Meriam Tyler {heirs of), 202. Jacob Emmons, 202. William Simpkins, 202. Joseph Sherburne, 202. Salaries, allownnees for : — James Dodge, 202. Rachel Hobby, 202. Samuel Hunt, 252. grant of moneys, to consider, 275. Salem, 173, 174, 176, 192, 209, 251, 255. hospital, 251. Salt, 257. Scavengers, choice of, 11, 43, 67-8, 75, 114, 117, 221, 230, 273. duties of, to enforce, 12, 75, 155. Schools, 258, 287. houses, 81. masters, 80, 81, 82, 134, 196. 287. salaries, 12, 23, 46, 54, 57- 8,69, 70, 81, 82,118,140- 41, 156, 172, 180, 181, 222, 232, 252, 259, 274, 286, 293, 234. ■ushers, 287. salaries. 23, 24, 58, 81, 82, 118, 1-10, 180, 181. Grammar, North, 23, 25, 55, 57, 79, 81, 131, 140, 158, 180. South, 23, 25, 55, 57, 58, 79, 81, 131, 140, 180, 252, 288, 293. Writing, North, 23, 24, 25, 55, 57, 79, 81, 82, 131, 140, 180, 181, 252, 286. South,25, 55, 79,131,134, 172. in Queen street, 23, 24, 25, 55, 57, 58, 79, 81, 82, 131, 140, 180, 252, 236. visitation of the, 24-5, 54-5, 70, 78- 9, 129-30. statistics, 25, 55, 79, 131. to erect another school, 90. Scotland, 104. Sea street, 119, 137. Secretary of State (1776), 247. Selectmen, 1, 5, 7, 12, 14,20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 32, 33, 35, 39, 41,43, 45, 46,53,54,56, 59, 63, 70, 71, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 81, 87, 88, 91, 94, 110, 115, 116, 118, 121, 122, 125, 127, 129, 131, 135, 137, 138, 139, 143, 145, 1.36, 158, 1.59, 160, 162, 171, 174, 190, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 208, 213, 216, 217, 223, 224, 227, 231, 234, 235, 236, 238, 240, 245, 251, 252, 255, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 264, 265, 267, 270, 280, 281, 283, 287, 288, 292, 233, 234, 295, 296, 297. choice of, 5, 64, 75, 150-51, 217, 227, 232. petitions preferred to, 121. Sequestration, Committee of, see Com. mittees. Sewers, see Drains. Sheep, 179. Ships, vessels, etc., 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 100, 104, 223, 255, 256, 263, 278. ship-building, 20. moorage niul dockage, 80, 213. hospital-ship, the, 223-4. statistics of commerce, 255, 256-7. owners, 256. cargoes, 256. British Man-of-War, 263. Shopkeepers notified concerning sale of tea, 13. Slaughter house, to erect, 71, 76. Small Pox, 27, 223-4, 240, 245, 246. statistics of, 246. {See also Disease, infectious.) Societies, Corporations, etc., 37, 62. to promote arts, agriculture, man- ufactures, and commerce, 37, 38. Index to Subjects. 315 SocietieB, Manufactory Company, 59. Linen Manufactory Company, 70, 1.3S, 139. East India Company, 141-44, 148. Soldiers, 2H, 2i4, 207, 230, 288. quartered in Boston, 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 10, 14,15, 16, 18, 22, 46, 47, 48, 49-51, 52, 62, 63, 101, 1U8, 109, 110, 133, 148, 149, 150, 157, 193, 194, 209, 210, 214, 215, 216, 225, 226, 268, 239, 233, 291, 292. landing of, 21. trial of, concerned in the Massacre of March 5, 1770, 49, 51. Boston Regiment, 279. Fourteenth. Regiment, 3, 10. Twenty-ninth Regiment, 3, 10, 47, 48, 63. . conduct of, record of, to keep, 221. providing for " non-commissioned officers'" and soldiers' families, 291, 292, 293. South Carolina, 1.30. South End, wharf at, to build, 181, 182. town's land at, 181, 188. {See also Lands.) tavern at the, 224. South street, to pave, 134. Spinning, employment of poor in, 71, 73. State House, the, 257. States, the, nee America, United States of. Statistics of loss of property, etc., to the colonists, 258-7. {See alno under Build- ings, Commerce, Trade, etc.) Streets, encumbered, 159, 197. to repair, 53. new, laid out, 13, 57. names of, to affix, 125. lamps, 72, 115, 116, 120, 128, 135, 136, 164-5, 196. to lay out, 119, 159, 164, 197, 198, 199, 200. paving of, 82, 83, 134. to keep clean, 76. refuse, 71-2, 75-6. law relating to, 76. See also, the following : — Atkinson, Cold lane, Cornhill, Cross, Dock square. Friend, Hog alley, Kil- by, Leverett's lane. Long lane. Mid- dle, Milk, Newbury, Pleasant, Sea, South, Sudbury, Union, Winter. Subscriptions, 290, 290. for the poor, to solicit, 289, 295. Sudbury street, 14, 119,159, 164. Suffolk county, 198,200. Sugar, 262. Suits : — town «.s. Linen Manufactory, 131. to recover all rights, titles, etc., to town's lands, to enter, 158. Jacob Emmons vs. parties unknown, 61. Sureties or bonds given, 7, 41, 66, 118, 153, 276, 287. Sweden, 108. Taverns: — i Green Dragon, the, 159. Lamb, the, 224. Royal Exchange, the, 224. Taxes, 60, 83, 87, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 132, 135, 141, 196, 202, 259, 293, 294, 295, 293. abatement of, 12, 46, 56, 59, 70, 87, 116, 135, 153, 161, 219, 257. collectora of, 6, 7, 40, 41, 45, 56, 59, 60, 61,65,66,68,69,70,73, 112, 117, 118, 120, 135, 152, 153, 190, 196, 218, 222, 225, 22S, 257, 258, 271, 274, 276, 277, 237. Taxes, collectors of . premium, 7, 41, 45, 59, 60, 66, 117, 152-3, 222, 225, 276, 287. books, 59, 196, 225. poll and estate, 26, 60, 86, 135, 180, 259, 275-6. chimney tax, 55. on wheel carriages, 115, 128. on licenses for sale of liquor, 116, 128. tax in order to supply lamps, 128. tea, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 142-44. Province tax, 222, 296. list of names of persons not paying their, 225. list of absentees, 274. Tea, non-importation of, 8,12, 13, 17,20, 142- 44, 147. consumption of, to discountenance, 20. sellers of, 20. tax, see Taxes. Titles, see Deeds. Toleration Act, the, see Act. Town, the, see Boston. dock, see Dock, the. House, 14, 129. clock, see Clock, loans, see Loans. meetings, 1, 2, 4, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 32, 33, 35, 36, 53, 54, 59, 61,- 62, 64, 77, 78, 87, 88, 89, , 93, 106, 108, 110, 121, 122, 123, 123, 12;), 141, 145,146, 147, 148, 150, 157,162,172, 185,189,194,196,205,207, 208, 212, 222, 223, 224, 225, 227, 234, 239, 247, 249, 250, 259,265,237,269,277,282, 237, 288, 291, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297. warnings to attend, 17, 21, 32,33,35,36,53,61,63,77, 87, 88, 89, 93, 103, 110, 121, 128,141,146, 147,148,150, 160,162,172,185,189,214, 227, 234, 239, 249, 250, 259, 267, 269,277,232,288,291, 293, 296, 297. officers, 1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 19, 20, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41-3, 41, 64-5, 66, 68, 74, 75, 77, 94, 110, 111, 112, 114, 120, 121, 126, 127, 150, 151, 154, 155-6, 174, 176, ISO, 187, 196, 193, 201, 216, 217, 218, 220-21, 224, 227-30, 242, 243, 246, 248, 258, 269, 271-73, 275, 279, 281, 237, 291, 292, 299. orders, see Orders, town, treasurer, see Treasurer, visitation of the, see Visitation, watch, see Watch. Trades, interests of, 85, 142-44, 173, 175, 176, 276, 235. losses, 255. Trades : — bakers, 263. blacksmiths, 127, 175. carpenters, 127. masons, 81. Tradesmen, 142, 188, 262. Tradesmen's Protest, 142, 145. {See also Newspapers.) Transportation of families, etc., into the country and back to Boston, 237. Treasurer, town, 6, 12, 25, 45, 46, 56-7, 58, 65, 70, 74, 80, 82, 116, 117, 130, 131, 141, 156-7, 162, 171,179,181,183,188,196, 214, 221, 236, 280, 2S9, 294, 295. accounts of, 25-26, 45, 56-7, 58, 60, 70, 74, 77, 86, 87, 117, 134-5, 161-2, 231, 257, 259. choice of, 40, 111, 1'.2, 213. 316 City Document No. 91. Treasurer, county, 8, 39, 44, 45, 65, 69, 111, 115, 141,152,218, 230. Province, 45, 69, 141. Treasury, debit aiLd credit of the, 11, 45, 49, 57, 58, 59, 60, 69, 74, 87, 117, 135, 157, 161, 221, 231, 257, 258, 273. Treason, the return of certain persons, with- out permission, to be accounted as, 279. Twenty-ninth Regiment. {ISee also Sol- diers.) Union street, 35, 213. new street from end of, across Friend, 119, 159, 164. United States, see America, United States of. Valuation for apportioning the State Tax, 296. Virginia, 134. Visitation, 240-1, 245, 246. statistics, 246. Volunteers, 279. {See also Soldiers.) Wards or Precincts, 11, 19, 43, 56, 67-8, 76, 117, 136, 155, 163, 232, 240-41, 245, 253-54, 255, 260-61, 264, 235, 276, 277, 288, 289, 290, 232, 293, 2J4. Warrants, 12, 13, 14, 17, 21, 22, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, 47, 53, 54, 55, 58, 61, 62, 63, 6i, 71, 72, 74, 75, 78, 79, 80, 93, 103, 110, 118, 119, 121, 129, 131, 141, 142, 147, 148, 150, 158, 159, 162, 171, 172, 173, 176, 179, 185, 186, 187, 190, 191, 201, 202, 207, 216, 223, 233, 234, 235, 236, 239, 2-10, 241, 242, 243, 247, 249, 250, 251, 252, 259, 260, 235, 266, 267, 269, 275, 277, 278, 230, 232, 233, 287, 239, 291, 293, 234, 296, 297, 298. Watch, 4, 8,44,51, 195. military, 15. houses, 51, 118, 195. men, 195, 297. town, 253, 297. Water course, see Beacon Hill. Watertown, 8, 10, 225, 226, 234. Ways, streets, highways, etc. surveyors of, 11, 45, 156, 221,231, 273. to widen, 53. new, laid out, 13, 57. Sudbury street nuisance in, to abate, 14. passage-way from Faneuil Hall mar- ket into Ann and Union streets a nuisance, 35. Ways, passage from Milk street, to improve 01, 80, 82. at the ISTeck, to repair, 86. from Ann to Middle, to widen, 53. liog alley, nuisance in, 116-17, 125. Sea street, to repair, 119, 137. new, to lay out, 119, 150, 164. names of streets, to affix, 125. incumbrances on Neck, to remove, 171. Kilby street, to pave, 134. South Btregt, to pave, 134. Dock square, incumbrances in, to re- move, 158, 212-13. incumbrances, to remove, 159. Weights and Measures, 253. weighing of hay, 287. Wells, to dig, 171, 178. {See also Dock, the.) West Boston, 224. West end {called New Boston). watchhouse at, to erect, 118. {See also Watch.) West Indies, 174, 175. goods from the, 264. {See also Islands.) Wharfingers 290. Wharves, 159, 186, 224. damages to, 256. Hancock's, 88. at South end, to build, 181, 182. Wheelwright's, 21. Wheat, see Breadstuffs. surveyors of, 11, 43, 68, 114, 156, 221, 231, 273. Wheelwright's wharf, 21. {See also Wharves.) Windham, 179. Winter street, 126. Wood, cord, 158, 159, 294. forestalling of, 2i9, 250, 252. measurers of, 253. Wood, 290. surveyors of boards, 9, 11, 41-2, 66, 74, 75, 113, 154, 156, 220, 229, 272. cullers of staves, 10, 42, 67, 75, 113, 154-.55, 163, 272. hoops, 163, 220, 230. lumber, 159, 210. Wool, poor, employed in spinning, 71. Act restraining the transportation of, 104. Workhouse, vaults of the, 71. Date Due DPR 17 '50 ^/I/aVp U; i' /^U'' / 4:>.^V^V ^aX^^ ^ MA- ^g'5[ C^ ^f ^ c > ^JW ^^-^T' ^^>| fc>_ £j^.44,4.ui| Q^eU^ II QcEJ^g^i £ r-f-tX./ l aiVL SoLj ^ ^y J L3 )i^\h.i JSk ^Bn BOSTON COLLEGE 3 9031 01565754 7 1 ^t;? c? yf BOSTON COLLEGE LIBRARY UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS CHESTNUT HILL. MASS. 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